William A. Van Buskirk IV, 63, of Lower Pottsgrove
William A. VanBuskirk IV, 63, of Lower Pottsgrove Twp., Pottstown, PA, husband of Barbara A. (Owens) VanBuskirk, died Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.
Born in Pottstown, PA, he was the son of the late William A. VanBuskirk III and the late Charlotte K. (Hartenstine) VanBuskirk.
Mr. VanBuskirk was a graduate of Pottsgrove High School Class of 1971, and of Penn State University Class of 1975 with a BS in Health Planning Administration. He was the owner of William A. VanBuskirk Industrial Hard Chrome Plating for 24 years and later was a maintenance mechanic for Drug Plastics in Boyertown before retiring in 2015.
In a family of travelers, he preferred to stay at home. He loved gardening and canning the vegetables he grew, making his own wine, and watching sports. He particularly enjoyed soccer, serving as an assistant coach and secretary of the Pottsgrove Soccer Association. He also served as a soccer referee for area soccer competitions. He was known for his ability to create and repair things, surprising friends and family with gifts of his own creation.
Since his retirement, Bill restored a Model A Ford, built model ships, and learned cheese making basics. He spent hours studying VanBuskirk genealogy, tracing his ancestors back to the 1200s. An opinionated man, he was a debater and challenger. He was immensely proud of the unique abilities of each of his daughters and treasured his brief time with his two granddaughters.
Surviving along with his wife of 35 years are three daughters: Alison VanBuskirk Philip and her husband Sajan, and their children, Eve and Rose Philip, Franklin Lakes, NJ; Megan Karlan and her husband Eric, San Diego, CA; and Elizabeth K. VanBuskirk, Lower Pottsgrove. He is also survived by one sister, Kay Shellenberger and her husband Kenneth, Columbia, PA, and their son, Jake.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Habitat for Humanity or the Sanatoga Fire Company.
Arrangements are by the Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home & Crematory, at 359 King St. in Pottstown, PA.
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