William D. ‘Billy’ Forsht

He was born in Altoona, a son of the late John R. “Bud” Jr. and Dorothy M. (Graffius) Forsht.

He married Jacquelyn A. “Jackie” Wilkinson on June 16, 1996, at Old Bedford Village.

Surviving are his devoted wife and best friend, Jackie; his three loving children: daughter, Heather J. Forsht (Steven Detweiler) of Altoona; son, Brandon M. Forsht (Drew Hanson) of Columbus, N.J.; and daughter, Katherine Berkheimer (Robert) of Greensburg; four awesome grandchildren: Bailey Forsht, Josephine Berkheimer, Eleanor Berkheimer and Margaret Berkheimer; beautiful great-grand-daughter, Misty Balmer; three siblings: Diane Meling (Reynolds Baldwin) of Altoona, John R. “Buddy” Forsht III (Trudy) of Allentown and Bonnie Umstead of Altoona; and numerous extended family members.

Billy was a 1971 graduate of Altoona Area High School.

Growing up, Billy 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, Billy added to these businesses by starting Forsht Cremation Services and Forsht Livery Service as a natural outreach of working with nearly all of the area funeral homes. He was a past president of the Pennsylvania Concrete Burial Vault Association.

Never one to slow down, Billy served as a Blair County Deputy Coroner from 2000-24. From 2024 until his death, he served as a Huntingdon County Deputy Coroner. He carried on the Forsht family’s legacy of community service, touching countless lives in his unique and unassuming ways. Billy was always there to lend a hand.

He bought and ran Mid-State Microfilm Inc., and also owned Creature Comforts Pet Supply.

He was passionate about animals, and he served as a wildlife rescue technician, having saved many animals from certain death. He and Jackie both loved to attend and participate in dog shows, and he served on the board of Brandywine English Setters for more than 20 years.

Billy had a lifelong passion for cars and vehicles. He was a life member of the Allegheny Mountain Antique Automobile Club of America and he was a member of the Horseless Carriage Club of America. A quick trip to his “Garage-Mahal” would leave visitors with a view of “Huck-the-Truck,” his 1928 huckster truck, or his 1911 Maxwell. One might even see a 1940 vintage hearse, an old ambulance or a vast array of old vehicles. He was always collecting. Of course, to get there, you have to travel past his beloved RV, in which he and Jackie traveled to many dog shows, car shows and beaches. In his younger days, he was an avid race driver.

Growing up in Grandview, he became a life member of the then-Grandview, now-Logan Township United Volunteer Fire Company.

Billy was a welcoming soul and a dear friend to so many, and his death creates a void that will not be soon filled.

Friends will be received from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona, where selected speakers will reflect on Billy’s life beginning at 7 p.m.

Anyone who knew Billy knew his favorite form of formal wear was a Hawaiian shirt, which will be welcome at the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations please be made to the Grandview Cemetery Perpetual Care Account, 787 Forsht Lane, Altoona, PA 16601.

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