William C. Witherup

William "Bill" C. Witherup, 76, of Meadville, passed away Sunday, September 6, 2020, at Wesbury United Methodist Community, due to complications of Alzheimer's Disease.

Bill was born in Meadville, on March 17, 1944, a son of the late William A. and Caroline (Cox) Witherup.

Following his graduation from Meadville Senior High, Bill graduated from Indiana University of PA with a B.S, M.Ed Degree in Music Education. He did his post graduate work at Carnegie Mellon University and a Summer Overseas Course at the Royal School of Church Music in Croydon, England. He was a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists. In 2000, Bill was recognized as one of 2,000 outstanding musicians of the 20th Century. For over 47 years, Bill was the organist and choir master at Christ Episcopal Church, Meadville. In 1990 he retired from Crawford Central School District where he taught music at almost every grade level. In his earlier years he was the organist at Stone United Methodist Church, Meadville. Additionally, Bill was an accomplished composer. His first work was published in 1980 and went on to publish several choral and handbell pieces over the years that followed. He was active in Erie AGO, served in various offices and played in many recitals. He was also a member of Association of Anglican Musicians. He was a past member and secretary of Vernon Lions Club. Bill enjoyed traveling and his cats Cecilia, Paz, Lexie and Nikki were a major part of his life; they passed before him.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 4, 2020, at First Presbyterian Church, 890 Liberty Street, Meadville, with Rev. Dr. Brian Jensen, Pastor, and Rev. Rebecca H. Lash, Vicar of Christ Episcopal Church, officiating. Mask-wearing will be mandatory.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's memory to Christ Church Episcopal, 870 Diamond Park, Meadville, PA 16335.

Arrangements are under the direction of STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com