William E. Hand

William E. Hand Of Great Bend, PA     GOD OPENED HIS ARMS AND TOOK ONE OF HIS CHILDREN HOME. William Edward Hand at age 85, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2017. He was born at home in Shamokin, PA on August 21, 1931 to Albert and Mildred Hand. He was predeceased by his parents and two grandsons, Aaron Sellitto and Nicholas Hand. During Bill’s latest bout of pneumonia, he lost his battle. But for 8 days our children Pamela, Jennifer and Daniel were at his bedside 24/7 so he was not alone. We are so blessed to have you and Dad and I love you more than you know. Let me tell you about my Bill— He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Marilyn Hand and they were married for 65 years. Also by two daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela and Michael Sellitto, Port Crane, NY; Jennifer and Allan Beavan, Nazareth, PA; one son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Mary Hand, Fredericksburg, VA. Also surviving are grandchildren, Diane Sellitto, Amanda Sellitto (Keith Sherwood), Samantha Sellitto Beeman (Nicholas); Jeffrey (Shannon) Beavan, Stephen Beavan, Alexandra Beavan; and Brittany Hand (Thomas Terry). Great Grandchildren Stephanie Sellitto, Sawyer Beeman and Cain Beeman; brother Albert Hand and wife Josephine; nieces Josephine, Lois, and nephew, Karl and their families. Bill graduated from Coal Township High School, Coal Township, PA and after serving three years in the United States Coast Guard, during the Korean Conflict, he attended Bloomsburg State Teachers College receiving his B.S. Degree in Accounting/Business and University of Scranton for his Master’s Degree. He started his teaching career at Susquehanna Community High School, Susquehanna, PA and then taught at Susquehanna Valley Central School in Conklin, NY until his retirement in 1987. Through the years Bill was active in the community, bowled in a local league, coached Little League Baseball, and served on the Tri-Boro Municipal Authority and Bridge Committee just to name a few. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Susquehanna, PA having taught Sunday School and served on many community, church and county committees. He was a 50 year plus member and past Master of Canawacta Lodge #360 F&AM, which has closed and is now a member of Blue Stone Lodge #338; Past High Priest of Susquehanna Royal Arch Chapter 276 and many other Masonic bodies earing the York Cross of Honour. Also a member of the Retired Teachers of New York and a 50 year plus member of the American Legion Post 86 in Susquehanna, PA. Bill was an avid Giants fan as was most of the rest of the family. After his retirement, both he and his wife spent winters in Florida and enjoyed every day of the sunshine. Many wonderful memories were collected during that time. “My Bill” was a wonderful husband, loving grandfather, great grandfather and a faithful friend. He touched so many lives and will be remembered and missed by everyone that knew him. We thank God for giving Dr. Bernard Remakus the skill, care and compassion to take care of Bill; everyone at Barnes Kasson Hospital especially the Skill Nursing Facility whose staff were “Angels” to bill and our entire family. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Arrangements were made at the Hennessey’s Funeral Home 747 Jackson Ave. Susquehanna, PA. Calling hours will be at the Susquehanna Methodist Church, Main St. Susquehanna, PA, on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 4 to 6pm followed by a Masonic Service and Memorial Service by Pastor Vincent Chiaramonte. Interment will be in the Northumberland Memorial Park, Sunbury, PA at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Barnes Kasson SNF, Susquehanna, PA. “Wherever you are, I will always be beside you; for you are my journey, you are my destiny, you are my love. Always Marilyn” And God will say “Well done, good and faithful servant” as he welcomes him home.