Harry W. Nehrig, Jr., 78, of Bridgeport passed away on April 13, 2013 at the Louis A. Johnson Veteran’s Hospital. He was born March 29, 1935 in Aliquippa, PA a son of the late Rev. Harry W. Nehrig, Sr. and Nancy M. Williams Nehrig.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Phyllis J. Redding Nehrig.

He is survived by one daughter, Gwendolyn A. “Wendy” Lister of Bridgeport and his grandson J.D. Lister also of Bridgeport; two brothers, Edward V. Nehrig of Cleveland OH and Ralph L. Nehrig of Boynton Beach, FL.

He had retired from the United States Air Force with the rank of Major. Among his decorations were the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Metal, two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He had served in the divided city of Berlin and the Republic of Vietnam and many other posts. He also retired from the Federal Aviation Administration after serving North Central WV aviation for 20 years. He was particularly proud of his lead role in establishing radar services in the area.

He was an active member of his community, having served as an Elder and youth advisor of the Bridgeport Presbyterian Church, Treasurer of the Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department, and one of the founders of the Citizens Auxiliary Patrol Service (VIPS) of the Bridgeport Police Department. He also was a charter member of the Bridgeport Emergency Services Council. He was greatly interested in child welfare and served as a volunteer in the school system for many years. He was a life member of the UHC Auxiliary serving primarily in the Emergency Department. He had been a Court Appointed Special Advocate representing abused children going through the court system and had been an officer of the local PTA. He was deeply involved with youth sports, coaching basketball, baseball and his favorite, soccer. He had been a high school official for both soccer and track. He was a Life Member of American Legion Post 68, The Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the NRA. He was a member of the North Central WV Pilot’s Association and was actively involved in their air shows.

Condolences may be extended to the family at www.burnsidefuneralhome.com.

Family and friends will be received at Burnside Funeral Home, 607 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgeport on Tuesday April, 16, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-87 pm. Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday at 11:00 am. Interment will be in the West Virginia National Cemetery with Full Military Honors accorded.