Forsht

William “Billy” Forsht wore many hats — he was a business owner, long-time firefighter and, above all, a caring person.

Forsht, 73, of Altoona, died May 11 at his residence as he was preparing to leave for a beach vacation.

Growing up, he was employed by Grandview Cemetery, Forsht Concrete Products Inc. and Hydraulic Dolly Co. Inc., eventually taking over the ownership and control of each of these businesses upon the retirement and passing of his father and uncle. Along the way, he added to these businesses by starting Forsht Cremation Services and Forsht Livery Service. He was also a past president of the Pennsylvania Concrete Burial Vault Association.

He served as a Blair County Deputy Coroner from 2000-24. From 2024 until his death, he served as a Huntingdon County Deputy Coroner.

He was also a life member of the then-Grandview, now-Logan Township United Volunteer Fire Company.

“I knew him my whole life. He was a caring person … someone who gave of himself for others. We did a lot of firefighting together,” said Leonard Alwine, former chief of the Grandview Fire Company and long-time friend. “He had a nickname ‘Cooter,’ a character on the Dukes of Hazzard who was mechanically inclined and who would fix things up.”

As anyone who knew him was aware, Forsht was an animal lover.

“One time in the 1980s, a deer was hit in front of the fire hall. There were two fawns inside of her. He was able to get them out, one survived,” Alwine said.

Forsht served as a wildlife rescue technician, having saved many animals from certain death. He served on the board of Brandywine English Setters for more than 20 years.

“He was committed to the organization. He was vice president for the last two years. He was involved, and was not a member by name,” said Colleen Raber, past president and current treasurer of the Brandywine English Setters. “He was a down-to-earth person who would do anything for anyone. People should aspire to be like him. He will be greatly missed.”

Linda Burley, owner of Shady Rock School of Dogs, had been friends with Forsht for about 50 years.

“He did a lot for me over the years. He was an honest, giving, caring man. If you needed something, he would do it if he was available. He had a hard time saying no to anybody,” Burley said. “He gave of his time freely and never asked for anything in return. There was no one more giving and compassionate. There are not enough words to describe what a great man he was. He is now at peace.”

Forsht had a lifelong passion for cars and vehicles and was a life member of the Allegheny Mountain Antique Automobile Club of America.

“I’ve known him for a long time. He was our president, he was one of the best members we ever had,” said Scott Deno, vice president of the auto club.

Bill Loy of Altoona became friends with

Forsht through the club. Loy said he and two other friends would jump in Forsht’s motorhome and travel to the organization’s annual car corral in Hershey.

“He was a very friendly and outgoing person. He would help anybody who needed help, even a stranger. He was a good guy all around,” Loy said.

Forsht had recently bought a 1911 Maxwell from Larrie Derman, owner of the Derman Funeral Home in Tyrone.

“He loved it, it was perfectly restored. There are only three of them left in the country. He was a good, solid member of the auto club. I will miss him big time,” Derman said.

Roc King of Altoona knew Forsht through the auto club and through showing dogs.

“He was the kind of guy when you met him, you automatically knew he was a good guy. If we were at a dog show and if someone needed something for their motorhome, he would get it for them. I never saw anyone so involved in his community doing good,” King said.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.