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SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP -- William Earl Wharry, more familiarly known as "Bill" or "Grandpa," passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Crandall Medical Center.
Bill was born on Jan. 19,1935, and grew up in the New Castle/New Wilmington areas in Western Pennsylvania. He was the son of George and Lucy Wharry.
He was big brother to his three siblings, Joyce (Dick) Minteer, June (Ralph) Young and George "Bud" (Carolee) Wharry.
His favorite story from his youth was how he rode his bike to local farms to work; when he was paid at the end of the week he loved taking his siblings for ice cream. He never lost his love for ice cream and sharing it with his grand- and great-grandchildren.
He married Mary Ann Mollenkopf on Halloween, Oct. 31, 1955. Together, they raised four children, Peggy (Mark) Richmond, Tracy (Jeff) Kidd, Bill (Kathy) Wharry and Don (Lisa) Wharry. He was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved and enjoyed.
Bill was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Aria.
He and Mary loved to travel. Their trip to Hawaii, where they met Jim Nabors, and the cross country trip in their camper "Winnie," were his favorites.
Bill was a worker. He began working for various farmers at a very young age. In his late teens he began working for Petersburg Milling, which is where he met his wife, Mary. He soon moved to operating draglines and from there all other large machinery. He continued this work into his 80s. He served as a Springfield Township fireman for many years.
Bill was a long-time member of the Petersburg Presbyterian Church, where he was proud to serve in many capacities but talked most fondly of his times as a Trustee, Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. He so enjoyed being with the men of the Thursday Breakfast Group.
A service to celebrate his life will be held on Aug. 10 at Petersburg Presbyterian Church, beginning with calling hours at 10 a.m., a service at noon and luncheon to follow, at Fire Station No. 21, 3989 W. Middletown Road, New Springfield, OH 44443.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Akron Children's Hospital Heart Center, in honor of Aria Wharry or his church.
We want to thank Crandall Medical Center for the loving care they provided to Dad the past couple of years and Aultman Hospice for its caring end of life care.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dean's Funeral Home, Sebring.
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