William C. Dively, 63, of Altoona, died Sunday, May 28, 2006 at the Altoona Hospital.
He was born July 9, 1942 in Bedford, PA, a son of the late William H. and Sara Britton Dively.
He was married to Diane J. Borys Dively who survives at home.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sisters, Doreen Conahaye, Betty Neeley, Henrietta Reynolds and Ramona Shannon all of Altoona; and two brothers, Gerald and Calvin Dively both of Altoona and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, a son John H. Dively who died as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in 1991 preceded him in death.
After graduating from high school, William joined the Marine Corps and served in Viet Nam, earning a myriad of medals including a Purple Heart. As a result of his work with the Marines, the C. I. A gave him top security clearances. Because of part of his groups assignments and their success in overcoming very difficult odds, they were sometimes referred to as the "Bad Ass Boys". He was honorably discharged from the Marines with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In civilian life Mr. Dively was a master plumber, working for the Virginia Beach School System and later for the Virginia Beach General Hospital, retiring from that position. While working for the hospital, he earned a special recognition award two different times for saving lives, when steam pipes exploded. In addition to his full time work he also operated his own plumbing business.
Mr. Dively was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Marine Corps League. He attended Altoona Bible Church. He especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He also enjoyed Harley Davidson and other motorcycles. He was an avid fan of dirt bike racing, having raced with his son and having worked as a mechanic for his son's dirt bike races.
At his request, funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to, the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville MD 20852
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com