William J. Moder, Jr., 4199 Morefield Rd., Hermitage, passed away peacefully at 5:40 a.m. Tuesday (12-21-10) in UPMC Horizon Hospital, Farrell, after a brief illness. He was 85.

Mr. Moder was born September 7, 1925 in Farrell a son of William J. Moder and Minnie E. Feigert Moder.

He was a lifelong area resident and a 1943 alumnus of Farrell High School.

Following his graduation, Bill enlisted with the United States Air Force and served as a cadet trained navigator in San Antonio and other facilities before being honorably discharged.

He was employed for 40 years at the former Sawhill Tubular Products-Division of Cyclops' Sharon and Wheatland plants in the shipping and inventory department before retiring in 1988.

Bill was a member of the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage. He was an avid sports fan, particularly for the Cleveland Browns and Indians, and enjoyed recalling that on Christmas Eve, 1950, he and his future wife attended the famous 'Ice Bowl' championship game which was won by the Browns. Blessed with a delightful sense of humor, Bill's sparkle in his eyes and his quick wit will not be forgotten by his family and friends.

His wife, the former Rosemarie Bohach, whom he married June 30, 1951 in the former St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, Farrell, died September 5, 2003.

Surviving are: two sons, Attorney William J. Moder, III and his wife Margaret; and Scott A. Moder, all Hermitage; four grandchildren, Rebecca A. Moder, Neshannock Township; William J. Moder, IV, Hermitage; Krystin R. Boyd and her husband Joseph, Raleigh, NC; and Katelyn M. Moder, Austintown, Ohio; a great granddaughter, Leali Rose Boyd, who was born on his birthday this past September; a sister, Shirley J. Keryan and her husband George, Wheatland; a brother, Robert A. Moder, Ft. Myers, Florida; and his paternal aunt, Anna DeBrakeleer, Sharon.

Besides his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by a grandson, Andrew T. Moder who passed away in infancy.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to SRHS Hospice Home Care 663 E. State St., Sharon, PA 16146; or Notre Dame Parochial Grade School, 2325 Highland Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday (12-23-10) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Friends may email condolences by visiting www.McGoniglefuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Friday (12-24-10) in the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage, with the Rev. Jeffrey Noble, pastor, as celebrant.

Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage, with military honors rendered by the Hickory VFW Honor Guard.