Clair William Heidlebaugh Jr.

Clair William Heidlebaugh Jr., of York, PA, passed away in Potter County on July 11, 2024, as the result of a medical condition.  Clair was known as Herb since childhood by relatives and friends.

Herb was born on July 4, 1948, in Adams County to Clair W. Heidlebaugh Sr., and Laura (Shue) Heidlebaugh, and was a stepson to Mary Jane Heidlebaugh after Laura’s passing.

Herb graduated from York County Vocational Technical School (now York County School of Technology) in the electronics program. After graduation he proudly served in the U.S. Army obtaining the rank of sergeant while serving in Vietnam where he was wounded in combat several times and earned multiple medals which include a Vietnam Service Medal w/ 2 Bronze Service Stars, a Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm, an Air Medal w/ Oak Leaf, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and The Army Commendation Medal. Herb was honorably discharged at the end of his service. 

Post military service, Herb worked at GTE / Sylvania, Caterpillar, and New Standard Corporation where he held both production and operational maintenance jobs while continuing his education in electronics, electrical power distribution and hydraulics. Herb was a very skilled craftsman, especially with metal and a key thinker always analyzing and evaluating situations to turn problem situations into solutions.

Herb was always available to unselfishly lend a helping hand to friends and family. He helped his father keep the farm equipment operational, he also enjoyed being outdoors, working on cars and occasionally would target shoot at local ranges where he held memberships. 

 Herb is survived by a son Carl Heidlebaugh of Jacobus, two sisters Carol Brown of Porters Sideling and Mary Heidlebaugh of Manchester; and three brothers Mike Heidlebaugh of Spring Grove, Ken Heidlebaugh of York and Dana Heidlebaugh of York and a stepsister Clare Klinedinst of York along with nieces and nephews. Herb was one of the founding fathers of the annual “descendants of Daniel and Mary Ellen Heidlebaugh family reunion” over 35 years ago.

There will be a Memorial service on August 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Salem Lutheran Church, 99 York Street, Jacobus, PA. The family will receive visitors and well-wishers during a light lunch following the service, to which all are invited. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Herb’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the Disabled American Veterans or a charity serving American Veterans. 

Clair’s family entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Clair, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.