William Charles Harshberger

He married Linda Ann Thompson on June 16, 1973, at East End United Methodist Church, Altoona.

He is survived by hisloving wife of 52 years; a son, Adam Charles Harshberger; a granddaughter, Caitlin Rose Harshberger (fiance, Josh Merritts); sister, Debra L. (Tom) Saylor; brother-in-law, Terry (Dodie) Thompson; several nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

Bill was predeceased by his 17-year-old son, Alan Lee Harshberger, on May 28, 2000; his parents; his sister, Donna Lee Bates; and his mother-in-law, Anna Mae Thompson.

Bill was a 1968 graduate of Altoona Area High School, and after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served as an infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Division in Vietnam (1970-71).

Bill, also known as “Charlie,” was a general foreman for Conrail at the Juniata Locomotive Shops, and retired after 31 years of service. He also worked at the AASD for several years following his railroad career.

He was a member and secretary of the General Foreman’s Association, member of the Bavarian Aid Society, East End UM Church and a longstanding member of and sat on the board of directors for East Branch Hunting and Fishing Camp in Huntingdon County.

Bill enjoyed boating on Raystown Lake (including Friday p.m. “safety meetings” with his lake buddies), the outdoors and hunting, spending time with his family and good friends (the Valley Boys: Tim Tyler, Carl Lutz and the late Mike Fatigante) and his Conrail friendships. He loved his country, and was a loyal fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins, along with the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Having been loved and respected by his family and all who knew him well, he will be tremendously missed. Always the first to lend a helping hand or bring laughter, his absence will leave a void. But we know the captain and the youngest of his first mates have finally been reunited on a distant shore. May smooth waters and blue skies be theirs as they catch up on all the time together that they lost. Until we meet again, Bill.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona. A funeral service with military honors will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Stevens Memorial Chapel by Pastor Dale Parker.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be sent to the Western PA Wounded Warriors Inc., P.O. Box 9, Eighty Four, PA 15330; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, online at stjude.org or by mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.