Dr. William Thomas Habacivch went to meet Jesus after passing away peacefully in his home on Friday, April 18th, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.
William (Bill) Habacivch, born June 16, 1959, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, was the cherished eldest son of Rita and William Habacivch. A devoted Christian, husband, father, brother, and beloved “Pappy” to three grandchildren, William’s life was defined by faith, family, service, and determination.
From 1981 to 1985, William served honorably in the United States Marine Corps with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, known as “America’s Battalion,” whose motto is “Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat” (Fortune Favors the Brave). He distinguished himself by earning the Gold Medal in the USMC “Super Squad” competition twice—first as a participant and later as an instructor. In recognition of these achievements, he was meritoriously promoted by the Commandant of the Marine Corps at the 8th and I Barracks. His additional honors include the Marine Corps Association Recruit Training High Marksmanship Award and the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
William’s indomitable spirit extended into civilian life, where he fearlessly pursued entrepreneurship by launching numerous small businesses. A dedicated lifelong learner, he earned a Master’s degree in Microeconomics from Temple University and a Doctorate in Administration and Nonprofit Leadership from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. His dissertation, “An Inquiry into Veteran Entrepreneurship,” was completed in May 2021.
As a college professor, William exemplified his love and spiritual gift for mentorship and teaching, inspiring students with the same passion he brought to his own learning. Deeply committed to supporting veterans, he served as Director of Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (VoPA), an organization dedicated to assisting veterans experiencing homelessness, until his medical retirement. An accomplished entrepreneur, painter, outdoorsman, and historian, William was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and an active member of his local church. He considered his faith in Jesus and the faith of his children to be his greatest accomplishment. Some of William’s favorite moments were spent at his hunting cabin, surrounded by his wife, children, and loyal bird dog, Ruby.
Surviving him are his wife of 39 years, Susan, his children Rachel Louise, Emily Rose (husband, Jon Sanville), Olivia Ann (husband, Young Sang Ryu), and William Thomas, Jr. (wife, Grace Habacivch), along with three grandchildren Haley, Conner, and Melanie Sanville, his brothers Daniel, Brian, and Richard, and his mother, Rita. He was predeceased by his father, William Habacivch in 2013.
Bill explicitly charged us with ensuring that all of his fellow Marines knew that he went down fighting – we can all attest that he was hooking and jabbing until the end. A memorial service to honor and remember the life of William will be held on Friday, April 25th, 2025 at 4 o’clock in the afternoon at Living Hope Church (3030 Schoolhouse Rd, Middletown, PA 17057). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following in his memory:
• Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (https://www.veteransoutreachofpa.org/donations please add “In Memory of Bill” in the comments)
• Finish the Mission (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=X2684JV2UCUPW&ssrt=1715935599908 ).
To view the livestream of the funeral please visit https://youtube.com/live/WdRXqaYQG-M?feature=share
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Habacivch family.
3 comments on “Dr. William Thomas Habacivch”
Bill and I were cousins but grew up in different cities. I missed knowing the “adult” Bill but he was a wonderful and kind human being. I am sorry I missed the chance to know him and his family. My sympathies go out to his family.
Farewell to a fine friend. Bill was always upbeat and enthusiastic. He epitomized “once a Marine, always a Marine.” Generous, curious, always learning. A devoted family man who was devoted to Christ. I will miss him!
Jim Panyard
Some great memories from the 70s/80s with Bill, especially when we worked together at Your Place Restaurant before he entered the service. My thoughts go out to the entire family.