William A. Molczan

Retired State Police Sergeant William A. Molczan, son of the late Michael and Rose Hardonik, passed away at the VNA in patient hospice in the early morning hours of Friday July 27th. He was born on the North Side of Pittsburgh May 27th, 1925. He attended Oliver High School until the age of 17 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in December of 1942. During WWII he served in the Pacific Theater on the USS Canberra, a heavy cruiser, as an anti-aircraft gunner. He participated in numerous battles, such as Iwo Jima, Guam, and Okinawa to name a few. On Friday the 13th in October of 1944 the Canberra was torpedoed causing the lose of 23 lives. The ship was being repaired at wars end. After the war, Mr. Molczan returned to Pittsburgh and worked at HJ Heinz while completing his education. This lead to his life long passion for canning everything he grew in his extensive gardens. In 1950 he enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police and served in numerous substations throughout Troop D, including New Castle, Mercer, Beaver Falls, Warrendale, Kittanning, and Butler. He retired in 1985 after 36 years of dedicated service. William was past president of the Fraternal Order of Police (Brady Paul Lodge 54), Butler County Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the Butler County Farmer’s Market. He was also a member of the American Legion (Post 778 Lyndora), life member of the VFW (Post 249), Knights of Columbus, Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees, and an Old Plank Owner of the USS Canberra. In 2011 he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Voters Hall of Fame for having voted in every election for 50 consecutive years. He also enjoyed spending time at his camp near Tionesta. William was preceded in death by his only daughter Mary ‘Joyce,’ brothers John (in infancy) and Eugene, and sister Doris. He is survived by his loving wife of 60+ years Mary (Hilosky) Molczan, three sons, James of Erie, Jeffrey and wife Terri of Butler, and William and wife Rebecca of Pittsburgh, and eight grandchildren, Michael (wife Jessica), Jessica, Jared, and Sara of Erie, Kayla, Sarah, and Jenna of Butler, and Kathryn of Pittsburgh. Friends will be received in the Young Funeral Home, 127 West Jefferson Street, Butler, on Sunday from 4 to 8 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 AM Monday from St. Fidelis, Meridian. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery with a State Police escort and military honors at the graveside by American Legion #778 and VFW #249.

William A. Molczan

May 27, 1925 - July 27, 2012