William J. Haegele Sr. | Court crier, 85

William J. Haegele Sr., 85, of Springfield, Delaware County, a retired court crier and salesman, died Tuesday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania of complications from a fall at his home.

Mr. Haegele was a court crier for Delaware County Court Judge Harry J. Bradley for 15 years before retiring five years ago. Previously, he had had been an electrical-supply company salesman.

Orphaned as a young child, Mr. Haegele was raised by his grandfather and three aunts in Drexel Hill. He graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School.

During World War II, he served in the Army Air Force as a Morse code master on B-24s in the Pacific.

After his discharge, he earned a bachelor's degree in business from St. Joseph's University. He then worked for electrical supply companies in Delaware County and as a manufacturer's representative.

In the 1960s he moved to Avalon, N.J., and for 20 years he was a salesman for Jones Electric in Millville, N.J. He then worked for a former employer, Siegfried Associates in Lawrence Park.

Mr. Haegele played tennis into his 70s and enjoyed trips to the Atlantic City casinos. He was a lifetime Eagles fan.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Betty Haegele; a son, William Jr.; a stepson, Ed Heraty; a stepdaughter, Ann Heraty; and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Marie Haegele.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 2 p.m. today at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 136 Saxer Ave., Springfield. Friends may call from 12:30 p.m.