Colonel William H. Donley, Usaf, Retired

Colonel William H. Donley, 93, of North Sewickley Twp., passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Bill was a proud graduate of Altoona High School.  Following his high school graduation, Bill pursued higher education at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree as a recipient of a scholarship in track and ROTC and later a Master’s degree.  After graduating from Pitt, he started his teaching career at New Brighton High School as a physics teacher.  His passion for education and leadership led him to a career in school administration. He served at New Brighton High School as an Assistant Principal, and later as Principal and Superintendent of the Midland School District, where he was known for his integrity, commitment, and positive influence on students and staff alike.

During this time, he also had a career in the military as a pilot in the Air Force and later in the Air Force reserves.  He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force, retiring with distinction as a Colonel and Base Commander of the 911th Airlift Wing.

Bill was deeply committed to his Masonic teachings and community. A 33° Mason, he was a proud member and Past Master of Union Lodge #259. He was also a Past Commander in Chief of the New Castle Consistory, where his dedication and leadership were widely respected.

In addition to his parents, Herman and Martha, he was preceded in death by his 2 sisters, Janet and Linda, and the love of his life, Ruth A. (Troxell) Donley.

He is survived by five children; Barry (Amy) of Cambridge, OH, Debbie (Clint) LaFever of Lacey, WA, Neal (Cecilia) of New Stanton, PA, Bill of State College, PA, and Mark (Carmela) of Raleigh, N.C., Also survived by ten grandchildren, Chad, Matt, Brittany, Cean, Lucas, Nicholas, Lindsey, Nathaniel, Grant and Brooke, six great grandchildren, brother, Donald Donley of Aiken, SC and brother in law, James (Janet) Troxell of Murrysville, PA.

Friends will be received Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Ave, New Brighton.  Additional viewing will be held in Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 819 Washington Ave, Monaca, PA 15061 Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. with his Pastor Angela Smith, officiating.

The Beaver County Special Unit will provide military honors Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 11:45 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 819 Washington Ave, Monaca.

Private interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery, Beaver Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to Union Lodge, #259.