William DeGeorge Emerick, 76, of Altoona, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at James E. Van Zandt Medical Center. He was born on February 11, 1949, in Altoona, to the late George Newton and G. Louise (Smeltzer) Emerick.
Will was a 1967 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School. He found great joy in cooking and baking, in serving others, and in his lifelong passion for music-whether listening, playing or writing. Will was a member of Center City Church in Altoona and Blair/Clearfield County for the blind.
Will is survived by his eldest son, William DeGeorge Emerick, Jr. and his wife Christine of Elyria, Ohio, youngest son, Ryan Lee Emerick and his wife Tabitha Platt of Middletown, DE, one brother, Ronald Smeltzer, and 4 sisters, Patricia Heverly, Judith Kelley, Barbara Bartley, and Linda Andrews. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Brittnee Perry, Ashleigh Shaffer, Chance Emerick, Calvin Emerick and Hazel Emerick.
Friends will be received on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 11:00am until 12:00pm, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte. A memorial service will begin at 12:00 Noon. Burial will immediately follow with full military honors at Zion Cemetery, Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blair/Clearfield Association for the Blind at 2612 Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, PA 16602 or VFW Post 8724 at 1665 Newry Lane, Duncansville, PA 16635.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com