Wallace R. "Bill" McCracken

Wallace R. “Bill” McCracken, 88 of Center Township, passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2010, while under the compassionate care of Heartland Hospice at the Beaver Campus of Heritage Valley Hospital, Beaver.

Bill was born November 3, 1921 in Rochester, son of the late James and Alice (Miller) McCracken. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during WWII. He was a member of IBEW Local 712 of Vanport, and was with the Electrical Union for over 60 years. Bill enjoyed the outdoors and loved to hunt and fish throughout North America. He was a member of North Branch Presbyterian Church, Center Township.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife: Maryjane (O’Brien) McCracken; infant son: Thomas; three brothers: James, George and Allen; and three sisters: Blanche Wyke, Shirley Hojdila and Jean Reed.

He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law: William “Bill” and Joanne McCracken, Chippewa Township; two daughters and sons-in-law: Bonnie and Michael Bejzak, Poland, OH and Sheryl Lynne and Robert Holobinko, Monaca; nine grandchildren: William (Betty) McCracken, Jr.; Marc (Bonnie) McCracken; Michael (Kristen) McCracken; Tricia Trella; Tiffaney Trella; Torrie (Michael) Ward; Robert Holobinko, Jr.; Scott (Deidra) Holobinko; Erica (Justin) Holobinko-Yaria; four great grandchildren; two brothers and sisters-in-law: Jack and Polly McCracken and Frank (Mary) McCracken, all of Center Township; three sisters and a brother-in-law: Elva (Bill) Swogger of Texas; Patty Kimmel, Rochester, NY; Judy Nolan, Monaca; many nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received today from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum). His service will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, in the funeral home with Pastor James Steiner, officiating. Private interment will follow in the Garden of the Four Gospels at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Heartland Hospice. The children wish to express special thanks to granddaughter Erica Holobinko-Yaria who provided exceptional guidance for the family and compassionate care for Bill. Her tireless efforts in coordinating his personal care was deeply appreciated and will always be remembered.