William L. Grate

William L. Grate, formerly of Fairfield Township, Cochranton, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at St. Paul’s Home. He was 84. 

William was born in Albion on January 20, 1938, to the late Pearl Watson and Lyle Grate. He had been raised by his foster mother, Leona (Alabran) Williams.  On October 1, 1966, he married the former Sandra L. Nodler, and she preceded him in death on September 14, 2003. 

William proudly served in the United States Army. He then went on to work as a Sawer working at sawmills including Jacob A. Weaver in Cochranton and retiring from the Pallet shop also in Cochranton. William also attended the Clarks Mills United Methodist Church. He enjoyed the outdoors and liked to go hunting, fishing and trapping. He also liked to go camping to attend Bluegrass Festivals. 

He is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Reges and fiancé, Bob Owens, Cochranton and Victoria (Paul) Harry, Meadville; bonus daughters, Lisa Gorman, Meadville and Hope Carroll, Cochranton; two sisters, Jo Ann Branch and Rachael Fleeger; a brother, Richard (Sylvia) Alabran; five grandchildren, Ashley Reges (Austin Patton), Allin Reges, Adam Reges, Jarrett Harry and Kaitlynne Harry; two great granddaughters, Mikayla Reges and Luna Patton; several nieces and nephews; good friends Sonny, and Jake Byler; and his dog, Mickey. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Patricia Reinhardt, Ruthie King and Dorothy Grate; and five  brothers, Thomas Alabran, Fulbert Alabran, John Alabran, Walter Alabran and Richard Alabran and  a granddaughter in law, Amber Reges.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at the Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 3223 Perry Hwy, Sheakleyville, interment will follow at Trinity Reformed Cemetery with Military Honors. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 4:00-8:00 pm. The family has requested to wear flannel outfits to honor William’s memory. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the funeral home to help defray the cost of the services.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.snyderfh.com. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 3223 Perry Hwy, Sheakleyville, PA.

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