William E. Emmert, 68, a resident of Forty Fort, passed away on Wednesday morning, March 26, 2014, at his home, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on February 21, 1946, in Wilkes-Barre, William was the son of the late Robert G. Emmert and Emily A. (Havira) Emmert.

Raised in Wilkes-Barre, Bill received his early education at the former Saint John the Evangelist Grade School, Wilkes-Barre and later went on to attend James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.

A United States Navy Veteran, Bill honorably served his country for four years during the Vietnam War, serving for some time aboard the U.S.S. Rogers. On February 17, 1967, Bill received his honorable discharge from active duty.  

Prior to his retirement, Bill was employed as a foreman in the service department of the former Pennsylvania Gas and Water Company, Wilkes-Barre. In his earlier years, he worked as a plumber and operated his own business, Emmert’s Plumbing and Heating.

Bill had a great passion for music and as a young man, he was known for being an excellent drummer, playing in many local bands.  

An avid sports fan, Bill always enjoyed watching football and baseball games and was happy to have the opportunity to travel to see his favorite teams play in person. His all-time favorite teams were Notre Dame, the Pittsburg Steelers and the New York Yankees.

Bill had a deep love and devotion for his family. He was always there for children and supported them in everything they did. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he treasured his daily visits with his granddaughter, Sadie. He will forever be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

In addition to his parents, Robert and Emily Emmert, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jamie Emmert, who passed away on September 13, 2010; his brother, Robert Emmert; his sister, Diane Emmert.

Bill is survived by his children, William Emmert, Nanticoke; Shawn Emmert, Exeter; Christopher Emmert, Kingston; Jill Emmert, Forty Fort; his former wife and friend, Audrey (Davis) Emmert, Kingston; his grandchildren, Alyssa, Sadie, Billy, Julia and Claire; his sisters, Jayne Stillarty, Swoyersville and Emily Isaacs, Kingston; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The Emmert Family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors from the University of Pennsylvania and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center for their exceptional care. Additionally, they wish to thank the nurses from the Henry Cancer Center, especially Becky, for their compassionate care for Bill.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend a Blessing Service which will be celebrated on Saturday, March 29, 2014, at 10:00 AM, at the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, with the Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville, officiating.

Interment will follow in Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Hanover Township.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Friday, March 28, 2014, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and again on Saturday morning, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the Emmert Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

The Family has kindly requested that flowers be omitted. Memorial Contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Northeast Chapter, 1541 Alta Drive, Suite 204, Whitehall, Pennsylvania 18052.