MEHARRA DR . ERNEST WILLIAM Formerly of Pennsylvania, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2019, at his home in McKinney, Texas. He was the youngest of four children born to Michael Meharra and Irene (Kaslo) Meharra in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Dr. Meharra was a graduate of Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and was awarded his dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He served his country proudly for 21 years in the United States Navy and retired as a Captain. Dr. Meharra received the Navy Achievement Medal with a "V" for his service in Vietnam with the Marine Corps, the Navy Commendation Medal and nine other service ribbons. Dr. Meharra married Eileen Irene Kunf on May 26, 1980, in Cleveland, Ohio. He practiced dentistry for 37 years in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, and upon his retirement Dr. Meharra joined his children and their families in Texas. His great interest in the American Civil War led him to become a reenactor at historic sites. Later, Dr. Meharra presented Civil War programs to interested civic groups in the Pittsburgh area and at his Masonic Lodge. He fully enjoyed his retirement in Texas he continued his love of learning by attending courses at a local college; spent countless days at his grandchildren's soccer games, football games, band concerts, graduations, and playing with his newest baby grandson, Bryce. Bill embraced his move to Texas and having his family all together. He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Eileen Meharra of McKinney, Texas; daughters, Lynda (Mike) Willingham of Prosper, Texas, and Kristen Marie Meharra of Wichita Falls, Texas; son, Philip William Meharra of Addison, Texas; grandsons, Michael Hollen Willingham, Ryan Philip Willingham and Bryce Philip Tucker; sister, Eileen Meharra Bishop; brother, Michael Meharra and many nieces and nephews. Dr. Meharra was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Irene Meharra; and sister, Marion Meharra Filotei. Visitation will be held at WOLFE MEMORIAL, LLC, 3604 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 on Sunday, January 13, 2019, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 14, 2019, 10 a.m. at St. Maurice Catholic Church, 2001 Ardmore Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15221. Interment is to follow in Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery, 733 Patton Street Ext., Monroeville, PA 15146. Memorials may be made in Dr. Meharra's honor to the Students First Fund at Saint Vincent College. Online at: https://ssl.charityweb.net /stvincent/ or by calling 724-454-1800. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
