William H. Trayer Iii

William Henry Trayer III, 87, of New Cumberland, passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at UPMC Harrisburg. Born on October 22, 1933 in Lemoyne, he was the son of the late William Henry Trayer Jr. and Grace (Fishel) Trayer.

Bill was a 1951 graduate of Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School, and he would serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Home on leave, he would meet his future wife, Millie, while roller skating in Mechanicsburg, and the two were wed in 1954. They had a relationship grounded in faith, attending Holy Annunciation Macedonian Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church, Steelton, for most of their lives. Bill was active in his church and sang in the choir. When their church closed, they attended St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, Steelton. He had a 35+ year career with Bell Atlantic (now Verizon), Harrisburg, before retiring in 1991. Bill was a past Worshipful Master (and member) of Steelton-Swatara #775, F&AM, Oberlin, and then joined Brownstone Lodge #666, Hershey, when the chapters consolidated. He was a Zembo Shriner and member of the Harrisburg Consistory. He also belonged to the New Cumberland American Legion, Post #143. He was a devoted husband, a dependable friend, and a thoughtful neighbor. He enjoyed bowling and dancing in his younger days, and found pleasure in bee-keeping and tending to his property in later years. He and Millie traveled extensively before and after retirement. He had a tool for everything, and he was the handy neighbor everyone wished they had. The two constants throughout life were his devotion to God, and the love he had for his wife.

Surviving Bill is his wife of 67 years, Mildred (Stoiancheff) Trayer; three brothers, Clayton, Thomas and Roger Trayer; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three siblings, Robert and Kenneth Trayer, and Grace Goudy.

A funeral service will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland. A viewing will be held the hour prior to services in the funeral home. Following the service, interment will take place in Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens, Carlisle.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Bill’s name to either: PA Wounded Warriors, 1117 Country Club Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011, or to Shriners Hospitals for Children – Philadelphia at www.lovetotherescue.org.