William S. “Bill” Trypus

| March 24, 2017

William TrypusWilliam S. “Bill” Trypus, 71, a resident of 425 Edgewood Drive, Franklin, died peacefully at 5:15 PM Thursday, March 16, 2017 in UPMC-Northwest in Seneca; with his beloved wife by his side, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born August 28, 1945 in Meadville, a beloved son of the late: William Bruno Trypus and Martha Mildred Dzik Trypus.

Bill was a 1963 graduate of Meadville High School. He enrolled at Edinboro State University, where he graduated in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in Physics & Chemistry Education.

He also completed post graduate studies at The Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA, as well as at Hope College in Holland, MI.

In 1968, following his college studies, Bill began working within the Valley Grove School District. He was the beloved longtime Physics and Chemistry instructor there, retiring in 2004, following more than 36 years of service. He substituted as well at both Keystone High School and Cranberry High School. He always remained a favorite amongst his students, being told on numerous occasions by former students that he did, indeed, make a lifelong lasting positive impact on their lives, something Bill always held close and cherished.

He was a member of The Valley Grove Education Association, where he had served as its president for numerous terms, as well as acting as chief negotiator for the district’s school teachers for much of his career in education. He was a member of The Pennsylvania State Education Association, where he was very involved with Intergroup Relations, for many years.
Bill was much respected amongst his peers in education, for his people skills as well as vast knowledge within the education system. He also was invited, many times, to present informational education seminars on behalf of the state association; and was actively involved with conflict resolution at the state level. He also was a longtime prominent member of The National Education Association.

Bill loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, particularly enjoying the first day of deer season and his annual “opening day of trout season” with many of his high school friends. He was an avid reader, and looked forward to the fun times he shared with family and friends at his nephew’s camp at Tionesta.

He also enjoyed following the PGA Golf Tour, the Penn State Nittany Lions and working Sudoku puzzles, in addition to being a lifelong diehard Pittsburgh Steeler’s fan.

Paramount in Bill’s life though, was always his Catholic faith. He was an active and faithful member of St. Patrick Church in Franklin and more recently, St. Stephen’s Parish in Oil City, where he served both parishes as a lector and Eucharistic Minister for many years. He was honored to be chosen by the late Monsignor John R. Snyder as a member of the initial group of Eucharistic Ministers, which was one of the very first groups as well, within the Erie diocese, while attending St. Patrick’s. Bill found great strength and solace reading his Bible daily.

He was married September 12, 1970 in St. Peter Catholic Church at Conneautville by the late Monsignor Edmund Donovan, to the former Kathy Eileen VanTassel, who survives.

In addition to his beloved wife of 46 years, he is survived by a brother, Richard A. Trypus and his wife Judy of Finleyville and by a sister, Rita A. Schellenger and her husband William Schellenger, Jr. of Honea Path, SC. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law: Charlene A. Prince and her husband Tim of Conneautville and Stacey A. Waid of Amherst, MA and a brother-in-law, William C. VanTassel, Jr. of Meadville; in addition to many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call Monday 2-4 & 6-8 PM in the Timothy E. Hartle Funeral Home, 1328 Elk Street in Franklin. A Christian Wake Service will be conducted Monday at 5:45 PM in the funeral home, with Reverend John Miller, III, pastor of St. Stephen’s Parish of Oil City, presiding.

Family and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday at 11 AM at St. Stephen Church, 21 State Street in Oil City.

Private entombment will be within the family estate mausoleum at Franklin Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired may be made in Bill’s name to either: St. Stephen Church, 210 Reed Street, Oil City, PA 16301 or to The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Gift Processing Department, 200 Lothrop Street, Suite 8084, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2536.

Please visit: www.hartlefuneralhome.com for further information and to leave a note of condolence.


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Category: Obituaries