William T. Kirchhoff, Sr.

Born July 14, 1941 in Swedesboro, New Jersey to Christian and Alice Kirchhoff. Bill died peacefully on Monday, July 1, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

In his early years, you would find “Sweet William from Swedesboro” on a ballfield or at The Old Ford Hotel, which his father owned. While in school, he earned seven letters in football, basketball and baseball. He was named “Second Team All Tri-County” in football. Graduating at the age of 16, and following his love of history, he enrolled at Gettysburg College. While at Gettysburg, he joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and played baseball. This is also where he met his Bible tutor, Jean Cleveland, the future love of his life. Bill and Jean married in late December back in ’63. (Oh what a night!) While Swedesboro was a great place to grow up, Central PA was the perfect place to settle down, start a family and have a productive career. Bill joined Jean’s family’s business, Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company, the local Caterpillar dealer, where he ultimately served as Executive Vice President and Dealer Principal.

While Bill was very active in the business community, most of his passion revolved around family and friends. If he wasn’t attending a grandchild’s activity, you could probably find him on many a golf course, the beach in Ocean City, New Jersey, poolside at Loblolly, the boardroom of Gettysburg College, with his Monday night dinner crowd, with his Tri-County Stock Club buddies, or attending Sunday Mass.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Marcia Rodenhaver, his son, Tom Kirchhoff, and his grandson, Kyle Klock. Survivors include his wife, Jean Cleveland Kirchhoff; his favorite daughter, Karen and her husband, Rob; his other favorite daughter, Katie and her husband, Anson; his daughter-in-law, Staci and her husband, Greg; his eight grandchildren — Trey (Julia), Tommy, Tommy, Belle (Nick), Sam, Macklin, Brynley, and Ty; and his brother, Chris.

Special thanks and appreciation to Dr. Amer Zureikat and Dr. Chip Renninger and the other caring staff at UPMC, as well as, Homeland Hospice and Live-In Care of PA for allowing Bill to pass peacefully and with dignity — just as he wanted. In lieu of flowers, Bill would like everyone to spend more time with those you love.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held Monday, July 8, 2024 at 10:30 A.M. at Saint Theresa Roman Catholic Church, 1300 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070, Celebrant The Very Reverend Martin O. Moran, III.