William F. Herlehy III

William F. Herlehy III, (Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; and Captain, U.S. Air Force, Retired) age 82, of New Smyrna Beach, FL passed away at his home on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from heart failure. Known to family and friends as “Bill”, he was born in Huron, SD to William & Louise Herlehy, and grew up in the Chicago area.

Bill was a decorated Vietnam veteran (Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal: 5 Campaigns) with more than 24 years of service to his country. He served in the U.S. Army for 3 years and earned the Army parachutist badge. He then served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 21 years as an Aircraft Avionics Equipment Technician, Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Logistics Officer, and Instructor. After retiring from the military, Dr. Herlehy earned his Ph.D. from Kent State University in 1986. He taught for more than 18 years at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) extended campus locations and military bases throughout the United States. He served as Associate Professor of Aviation Business Administration, Regional Faculty Advisor, and finally as Associate Dean for Curriculum, College of Career Education, ERAU Extended Campus (now Worldwide Campus). He was appointed to the rank of Professor Emeritus in November, 2004.

After teaching, he spent his early retirement years building houses with West Volusia Habitat for Humanity and was named their top construction volunteer of 2004. He later volunteered as an instructor for the AARP Driver Safety Program for Seniors, and as Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in New Smyrna Beach. He also enjoyed walking his loyal dog Winston around his New Smyrna beachside - Flagler Ave neighborhood.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary Peschel-Herlehy (Lt Col, USAF, Retired); children Patrick (Melissa) Herlehy, Patricia Ann Herlehy, and William Herlehy IV; grandsons Tyler, Ryan, and Chase; great-grandson Jackson; siblings Patricia (Harry) Gibbons, Michael (Judy) Herlehy, Christine (Larry) Brown, and Eileen (Ron) Talbott. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Sally Kowzic and Madeline Fischer, brothers Jon Herlehy and Gary Herlehy, stepson Edward Herlehy, and stepgrandson Anthony Going.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023 in Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church narthex in New Smyrna Beach from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Father Patrick Quinn,  officiating. Burial will follow in Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL with full military honors. 

Bill’s family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice and Home Instead caregivers for their excellent care.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Habitat for Humanity, or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

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