William Ray Hassler

William R. Hassler, 79, of Muhlenberg Township passed away March 10, 2015, in The Reading Hospital. Bill was born in Wernersville on July 5, 1935, a son of the late Clarence and Edith (Horne) Hassler and step-son of Irene Hassler.

Bill was a Wilson High School graduate. He was employed by Met-Ed as a chief mechanic and then full-time Air Force as a MSGT and serving in the reserves for 38 years, retiring on July 5, 1995. Bill was in the 201st Civil Engineering Unit at the Gap, which duties included civil engineer projects around the world. He was in the 148th Combat Brigade Tactical Air Command. Bill was also employed by Theo C. Auman as a funeral associate and last working part-time at Global ESI in maintenance. Bill was a member of Goodwill Beneficial Assoc., Central Fire Co. & Beneficial Assoc., a lifetime member of Harry Stoever Post 915 and American Legion VFW Post 915. A longtime member of Reading Co. Booster Club, Inc. and pool team member.

Bill is survived by his companion, Nancy Behm; his son, Joseph A. and his wife, Julie Hassler of Muhlenberg Township; 5 grandchildren: Melissa Wagner, Staff Sgt. Matthew Roberts, Joshua Hassler, Elizabeth Hassler and Dylan Hassler; and a great-grandson, Brevyn Young. William was predeceased by his daughter, Christine J. Weaver, on April 4, 2013.

Services will be Friday March 20, 2015, at 10 a.m. in Theo C. Auman Funeral Home, 247 Penn St., Reading. Burial to follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park. A viewing will be Friday 9-10 a.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, or VFW, or American Legion in Bill's memory.