Howard E. Behrhorst Jr.

Howard E. Behrhorst Jr., age 100, died peacefully on November 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Life's Promise Personal Care Home in Ligonier, PA.

Howard was born at the family home on S. Fairfield Street in Ligonier on January 22, 1925, the first of two sons of the late Howard E. Behrhorst Sr. and Ruth Saling. He was baptized into the Christian faith at Pioneer Presbyterian Church on Main Street, Ligonier.

Howard grew up in small-town America, playing baseball in the summer and sled riding in the winter. Howard was studious and industrious. As a high school freshman, he was voted "most brilliant mind." Howard had many boyhood friends both in town and on the farms surrounding Ligonier. Those friendships, as well as the constant companionship of his younger brother Vic, lasted through the high school years, the separations and reunions brought on by WWII, and beyond.

At Ligonier High School, Howard was Class President and voted "most likely to succeed." He captained the Debate Team and played basketball for the Mounties. After graduating in 1942, Howard entered the United States Navy and served as an Electrician's Mate Second Class at a Naval Hospital throughout the War. After returning home, Howard started his career at Bell Telephone (later AT&T) at the Bell Building in Ligonier. He was promoted and took a position in Pittsburgh where he met the love of his life and future bride, Vi Stewart. The two married on July 1, 1961. Howard then transferred with AT&T to Washington DC where he was involved in designing and constructing specialized communications facilities connecting top tiers in government including connections from Washington DC to the emerging nuclear energy facilities along the eastern seaboard. He spent over 40 years with the company helping to build out the country's communications infrastructure. Howard and Vi raised three wonderful children in their family home in Potomac, Maryland - Scott, Brian and Amy. He instilled in his children an interest in mechanics, electronics, aerospace and aviation, frequently assembling and shooting off model rockets. Howard was an active member of Geneva Presbyterian Church in Rockville, MD often seen in the back pew operating the sound system during the service. He served numerous boards and committees including capital campaigns to expand the church building. In 2013, Howard and Vi moved back to Ligonier and enjoyed being close to their daughter Amy, son-in-law Jim, and grandchildren.

It is difficult to sum up a life in a few paragraphs, but know this, Howard was loved by his wife, children and grandchildren, as well as his close friends. And he loved them in return. The High School yearbook got it right as that is the definition of success.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth "Vi" Behrhorst (Stewart), and his brother, Victor A. Behrhorst.

Howard is survived and loved by his three children, Scott Behrhorst (Elizabeth) of Greensboro, NC; Brian Behrhorst (Viola) of Boyds, MD and Amy Behrhorst Meade (Jim) of Ligonier, PA; 8 grandchildren, Charles Behrhorst (Katie), Matthew Behrhorst (Katie), Brian Behrhorst, Ben Meade, Sarah Turner-Meade (Hannah), Dillon Behrhorst, Logan Behrhorst and Brodie Behrhorst; and 3 great-grandchildren, James, Tate and Blake.

A viewing will be held on Friday, November 14th from 3:00-6:00 pm at McCabe Funeral Home located at 144 E. Main Street, Ligonier, followed by military honors presented by the Ligonier Valley Veterans Honor Guard at 6:15 pm. The funeral service will be held at McCabe Funeral Home the following morning, November 15th, at 11:00, officiated by Rev. Dr. Martin R. Ankrum, Pastor/Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg.

Howard's wishes are that we recognize the loving, compassionate care he received from the staff at Life's Promise, the excellent care provided by Suncrest Hospice, and the delicious meals and daily companionship he got from the volunteers at Ligonier Valley Meals on Wheels. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ligonier Valley Meals on Wheels, PO Box 203, Ligonier, PA 15658 are greatly appreciated.