Frederick Townsend

Frederick W. (Bill) Townsend, 82, of Mt. Holly Springs, PA, passed away Saturday, September 30, 2017 at his residence. Bill was born November 4, 1934 in New Eagle, PA, not far from where his great-great-great grandparents, Daniel and Lydia (Sawin) Townsend, settled in Washington County, October of 1779. He was the son of the late George W. and Vivian Elizabeth (Varner) Townsend.

Bill was a graduate of Clairton High School, Class of 1952, and the Pennsylvania State University, where he earned his Bachelor's of Science and Master's Degree. A veteran in the United States Army, he served from February, 1953 to January, 1956 with over two years in the European Command. Working in the computer field, Bill was employed by the Navy and the Defense Information Systems Agency, Mechanicsburg, PA. During his employment, he was honored with The Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, The Navy Superior Civilian Service Award, and The Defense Information Systems Agency Meritorious Civilian Service Award. After 34 years of service, he retired in 1996 as the Computer Center Director.

An avid hunter, fly fisherman and fly tier, Bill's passion took him from the Margaree River, Nova Scotia to the flats of the Florida Keys, including fishing in various waters throughout Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Tennessee. Bill's memberships included: Fly Fishers Club of Harrisburg; Atlantic Salmon Federation; life member of the Big Spring Fish and Game Club; life member of The American Legion, Post 674, Mt. Holly Springs; Washington County Historical Society; AARP; National Association of Retired Federal Employees; and the Penn State Alumni Association.

Bill is survived by his wife, Joan Townsend of Mt. Holly Springs; two sons, Fred W. Townsend of Mt. Holly Springs and William K. Townsend of Newville; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, George Robert Townsend.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home and Crematory, Mt. Holly Springs, PA 17065. Online condolences may be made to www.hollingerfuneralhome.com