William Harold Conger, 85, of Dilltown, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife by his side on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
Born on July 26, 1939, in Olean, New York, he was the son of the late Clifford Charles Conger and Frances Eleanor (Griffith) Knowlton. Bill graduated from Port Allegany High School in 1957 and served honorably in the United States Army, both at Ft. Belvoir, VA and overseas in Germany.
He worked for 33 years as a Communications Technologist with Verizon, retiring in 1999. Bill was a dedicated member of the Blacklick Creek Christian Church in Vintondale. He had a deep passion for history, particularly World War II, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his family and friends.
Growing up as an avid Yankees fan, Bill’s love for baseball defined much of his life. As a first baseman and outfielder, he played the game with passion and even tried out for the major leagues. A memorable highlight of his life was dining with Yogi Berra at the Montclair Museum, an experience he and his wife cherished deeply. At the age of 71, Bill joined the Latrobe-Derry Old-Timers Baseball League, where he continued to play for 14 years, until the fall of 2023. He greatly valued the friendships and joy that the team brought him and eagerly anticipated each new season.
Bill was married to Judith May (Duncan) Conger for 61 years. He is also survived by his daughters, Kelly (George) Criezis of Sparta, NJ, and Pamela (Christopher) Sproul of Pittsboro, NC; his son, William Harris (Kelly) Conger of Grove City, PA; and his cherished grandchildren, Zoe and George Criezis, and Elijah, Naomi, and Lillian Conger. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Jackie) Knowlton, as well as his sisters-in-law Arley Duncan and Selma (Brown) Duncan.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his stepfather, Fred Knowlton.
Friends and family are invited to attend visitation on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home in Indiana. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at Blacklick Creek Christian Church, 1453 Bracken Rd, Vintondale, with Pastor Keith Smith officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to Bill’s favorite charity St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).
