William F. Ermlick, Jr

William F. "Bugs" Ermlick Jr., 82, of Roscoe, died Friday, March 14, 2008, at his home. He was born January 22, 1926, in Stockdale, a son of the late William and Mary King Ermlick. A World War II veteran, William was an aerial photographer and gunner with the 393rd Bomb Squadron - U.S. Army Air Force. Prior to entering the Air Force, he worked at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, Allenport plant. Mr. Ermlick was a respected educator for over 30 years. He was an alumnus of California University, West Virginia University, the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University. He began his teaching career as a social studies teacher at Monongahela High School, where he later became one of the first home and school visitors' of the county. He subsequently became assistant principal at Monongahela High School. Mr. Ermlick then progressed to the position of principal at Carroll Junior High and Carroll Elementary schools. He continued his professional career as principal at Charleroi Junior-Senior High School. Mr. Ermlick was elected principal of McKeesport High School and retired as the assistant superintendent of the McKeesport School District. During his lifetime, Mr. Ermlick was very involved in community service. He was one of the first Little League baseball coaches in the area, maintained a lifetime membership with the Roscoe Volunteer Fire Company, was active with Five Town and CAZ Ambulance Services, was a former tax collector in Roscoe, and he was a member of the California Area School Board, St. Joseph Pillar Society, American Legion Post 801, the Brownsville Masonic Lodge and was most recently an active member of the Roscoe Borough Council. A devout Catholic, he was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Roscoe. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Anne Cairns Ermlick; his son, Scott Frederick (Marcella) Ermlick, grandchildren, Adrienne and Jonathan, and great-granddaughter, Aliyah; daughter, Susan Metz Ermlick, and grandsons, Nicholas and Alexander Metz; one sister, Betty Ermlick; a brother-in-law, Glenn (Patricia) Cairns, two sisters-in-law, Andrea (Benjamin) Skrobacs and Thelma Ermlick; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother and sister, Donald and Mildred; and one niece and nephew, Diane and Brent Ermlick. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in the ED MELENYZER FUNERAL HOMES INC., Roscoe. A Memorial Service will be conducted by the Roscoe Volunteer Fire Department on Monday at 7 p.m. in the funeral home. A Blessing Service will be held at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. Interment will be private.