The Post-Gazette lost one of its most loyal readers, William Ernest Wengerd, on April 2, 2024.

William was a quiet, humble man who valued hard work, and honesty.  He was born in Springs, PA on July 18, 1940 to Allen and Alta Wengerd.  His work ethic began at a young age when he was able to participate on the family farm by gathering eggs.  He worked as part of the family  business, Wengerd Roofing, prior to attending college at Penn State.  While in Laos with the International Voluntary Service (IVS), he used his engineering training to build dams in rice paddies.  Purchasing a round-the-world plane ticket allowed him to see many wonders of the world on his return.

While living in Dunkirk, NY, William met Laura, a teacher, who lived next door and they married in 1970.  They raised their two children, Andrew (Toni) and Abbey, in the community of Oakmont.  After working as a Civil Engineer at Allegheny Ludlum for 35 years, William retired to spend a year gardening, cooking, golfing, and other leisurely pursuits.  This was short lived as he landed his ideal job with Senate Engineering including serving as the municipal engineer in Oakmont.  He took great pride in his work, and would often take his "assistant", his wife Laura, to check projects in the borough.

William taught his children many life lessons.  One of these life lessons included the risk of feeding stray animals who would soon become permanent residents.  He valiantly fought away rabbits, deer, and groundhogs attempting to partake in his garden delights.  One of his cooking specialties was Chicken on the Grill with Will.  William had a wonderful sense humor that often caught those around him around him off guard.  He also coined many terms that never made it to Webster's dictionary.   Spending time with family was very important to him.  Backyard soccer matches, hikes, playing games, watching shows, and being together were things Grampy enjoyed with his grandchildren (Tessa, Nolan, Sadie, & Wyatt).

William was a model citizen, compassionate friend, loyal golfing league participant, and lifelong fan of the Steelers.  He knew the importance of showing up regardless the event: often filling in as a crossing guard, helping with the garden at church, or attending family events.  Up until March of 2024, He considered himself fortunate to be able to enjoy skiing midweek with his brother Gene (Carol).  William leaves behind many family members and friends who carry on his legacy because of his presence in their lives.

In memory of William's spirit of showing up, WE ARE asking that you consider reaching out to someone around you by making a phone call, sending a card, or showing up in your community.  Visitation will be at the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC. at 421 Allegheny Ave. in Oakmont, PA on Friday, April 19 from 3-7 pm.  A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 20 at 11 am at the Springs Mennonite Church in Springs, PA.   Visitation prior to the service from 10:30 – 11 am.  Interment will follow the service.  Luncheon at the church will follow the interment.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oakmont Lions Club P.O. Box 335 Oakmont, PA 15139 or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.