Harry Herlinger

Harry Herlinger, 81, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 3, 2026, at home with his wife, son, and daughter by his side. Born on November 4, 1944, to Bessie Rowe and Fred Herlinger in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, he was the third of four children. He grew up in Townville and later the Johnstown area, where he attended Richland High School and played football. After graduation, he spent a year at Massanutten Military Academy before attending Slippery Rock University, where he played football and wrestled, met the love of his life, Gail Manross, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education. A proud 1967 graduate, Harry remained a devoted supporter of SRU football throughout his life.

In 1967, Harry and Gail married and built a life together that took them from Cleveland, Ohio, to Atlantic City, New Jersey, Cumberland, Maryland, Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and several places in the Pittsburgh area. He earned an MBA from Frostburg University and enjoyed a long career with Sunoco, advancing from sales representative to regional manager over more than 30 years. Fiercely competitive yet loyal and kind, Harry had a gift for turning strangers into friends.

He was active in the Jaycees in Cumberland, coached soccer for his children in Downingtown and Murrysville, and was a longtime member of the 12th Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteers of the North-South Skirmish Association. An avid golfer for decades, he loved playing at Meadowink, North Park, and many courses visited during travels and vacations. He was a lifelong Steelers fan and cherished time spent with family and friends at the family camp, Bait ‘n Bullet, near Whipple Dam. In recent years, Parkinson’s-related memory issues and a diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer in December 2023 made some of these enjoyments more difficult, yet he continued working, first as a contractor for Center Independent Energy and later as a lot attendant at his local GetGo until his cancer diagnosis.

Harry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gail (Manross) Herlinger; son Ryan (Cheri LaSpada) Herlinger of Havertown, Pennsylvania; daughter Erika (Matthew) Blumer of Wexford, Pennsylvania; and his five beloved grandchildren, Zoë Blumer, Kaden Blumer, Anya Blumer, Laela Blumer, and Avy Herlinger. He is also survived by his sister Eleanor (Terry) Bisick of Schellsburg, brothers Fred (Linda) Herlinger and Jim Herlinger of Tarentum, six nieces, five nephews, and many cousins and friends who became chosen family.