William (Bill) L. Hetrick, 74, of State College, passed away on Friday, May 6, 2011 at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
Born on May 10, 1936, in Johnstown, PA, he was the son of the late Vincent L. and Edith Hetrick.
Surviving him are his wife and best friend, Norma and two daughters and their husbands, Deborah and Edward Molin of Pacific Grove, CA and Cheryl and Thomas Gallagher of Boalsburg, PA. Also surviving him is a granddaughter, Lauren Amanda Molin. Lauren was a joy in his life. He and Lauren enjoyed many happy and memorable times together. He also loved his grand-dogs, Abby Marie Gallagher and Lexie Molin.
Bill is also survived by a sister and her husband, Linda and Gabe Zippilli of Martinsburg, WV and a sister-in-law Marjorie Hetrick, wife of Vincent F., of Johnstown, PA, who preceded Bill in death. In addition, many loving nieces and nephews live throughout the country. Jim and Cathy Polinchok of Port Matilda, PA are an extension of Bill’s family as well.
Bill received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Penn State University and was a lifetime member of the alumni association. He retired from Penn State with 30 years of service. Most of his work years with Penn State were spent as an administrator with the Office of Physical Plant. During his years at Penn State he hired and mentored many young professionals. Besides spending time with his family, Bill enjoyed hunting, fly fishing and spending time at the beach in Sea Isle City, NJ. His primary passion was his lifelong involvement in the Professional Ski Instructors Association (PSIA). His association with PSIA began in 1970. Bill and Norma received the highest honor of the PSIA when they were acknowledged for their decades of service and dedication by being awarded National and Eastern Division Life Memberships; surely this was one of Bill’s proudest moments.
At Bill’s request all services will be private. Details regarding a summer celebration of his life will be shared at a later date.
Bill would be honored for memorial contributions to be made to Professional Ski Instructors of America – Eastern Division Education Foundation, 1 A Lincoln Avenue, Albany, NY 12205.
The Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, is handling the arrangements. Bill and Norma chose a granite bench for their memorial at Centre County Memorial Park. Their original PSIA certification pins will be embedded in the bench.
Please feel free to visit a guestbook to share happy memories with Bill’s family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com