William Oberdorf

William Martin Oberdorf, Jr., 83, formerly of Newville, departed this life on the morning of Saturday, September 23, 2017.

He was born on December 7, 1933, in Nescopeck, Luzerne County, PA, the son of the late William M. and Gladys Boyles Oberdorf, Sr. William was a U.S. Airforce veteran, enlisting on March 10, 1953, and honorably discharged on June 9, 1957. During this time he married Mitte Yvonne Barnhill on March 17, 1956. His beloved wife of over fifty years, whom he affectionately called “Suzie”, preceded him in death on June 8, 2016.

William was a 1969 graduate of Penn State University, earning a degree in architecture. His career went on to encompass nearly six decades and licensure in five states. He was first employed at the former Paul V. Stapleton Co. in Williamsport. William then went on to help found Centura Associates, Chambersburg, in 1987, where he still remains a partner of the firm known for designing and building over 350 churches and other structures in the North Eastern United States. William loved all aspects of his work and the field of architecture, still putting in hours just months before his passing.

In his free time, he liked to work! William was very handy, building and/or remodeling many of his family’s homes. He liked to work on antique cars and motorcycles. A 1965 Mustang, 1952 Ford Victoria, and a 1938 Harley Davidson, are just a few of the vehicles he was proud to own and have a hand in customizing. In his younger years William drag raced and was a lifeguard at World’s End State Park. Something he was very proud of, having saved his lifeguard patch after all these years. William also enjoyed the outdoors; especially the woods and waterfalls. Ricketts Glenn State Park was a favorite and special place for him and his family to visit.

He is survived by his daughter, Leslie A. (Kenneth) Rider of Landisburg; four grandchildren, Lindsey N. (William) Erhardt of Dillsburg; Joshua G. (fiance’ Leilani McBeth) Smith of Carlisle, Eric William (fiance’ Chelsea Mesmer) Marsh of Shippensburg, and Stacey Fay (Paul) Harvey of Nashville, TN; four great grandchildren, Garrett Thomas Fuller, Delaney Anne Yvonne Fuller, Maisey Lou Smith, and Fisher Immell Smith; sister, Doris (Joseph) Clewell of Watsontown; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and spouse, William was preceded in death by his son, William M. Oberdorf, III, who died on August 25, 2010.

His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, September 29, 2017, at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., Shippensburg. Bishop Scott Mease will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in the Norland Cemetery. Viewing will be one hour prior to the funeral on Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in his name.