05/01/2025

William Charles Deeley

Deeley Funeral Home - Owner/Funeral Director

William Charles Deeley, age 75, of Punxsutawney, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday.  He cherished weekends skiing in Ellicottville, sunny days at Wrightsville Beach, and hunting season at the farm.  

Born in Punxsutawney, Bill was the beloved son of the late Charles and Dorothy Deeley of Anita, PA. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Jean Bish Deeley.

Bill is survived by his two daughters, Beth Deeley (wife Hilary) and Michele Stavovy (partner Matt); his adored grandchildren Thomas, Chris, Lily, and Max; his devoted brother Doug Deeley (wife Susie); and his nephew Sean Deeley. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Bill’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

As the owner and funeral director of Deeley Funeral Home in Punxsutawney, Bill served countless families with compassion and dignity. But it was his spirited role as the Handler of Punxsutawney Phil and President of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club that brought his vibrant love for the town into national spotlight. A proud member of the Inner Circle, Bill cherished every moment spent promoting the unique traditions of Groundhog Day and the town he so dearly loved. In 2002, he was honored as Punxsutawney’s Man of the Year, a testament to his boundless contributions.

Bill’s community service was both broad and impactful. He was past president and director of the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce, former board member and coach in the Groundhog Little League, and a past elder of the Punxsutawney Presbyterian Church. He served on numerous boards including S&T Bank’s advisory board, the Salvation Army, Punxsutawney Ambulance Board, and the North American Carbon Company.  An avid community member, Bill found camaraderie in the Punxsutawney Rotary Club, the Punxsutawney Country Club, and the Corn Cob Club.

His dedication extended to the military, where he proudly served in the Pennsylvania National Guard. In 1973, he became the youngest company commander in the state. Bill also served as a liaison for Western Pennsylvania’s eye bank and tissue donation programs and was active in the Clearfield–Jefferson County Funeral Directors Association with 50 years as a funeral director.

Visitation services will take place at the Deeley Funeral Home on Saturday from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. The funeral service will be on Sunday at 1 PM at The Deeley Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club in Bill’s memory.

Online condolences may be made at www.deeleyfuneralhome.com