William J. Harmeyer

William (Bill) Joseph Harmeyer died peacefully in his home of 52 years in the presence of all of his beloved children on October 25, 2023, at the age of 91. Bill is survived by his five children Karen (Herb) Packard, Steve Harmeyer, Meg (Gil) Switala, John (Colleen) Harmeyer, and Greg (Kay) Harmeyer. He is the loving grandfather (“Papa”) to 14 grandchildren: Rob (Ashley) and Jenny Packard; Mary, Mitchell, David, and Tommy Switala; Sam, Emma, Greta, and Heidi Harmeyer; and Katie, Will, Mikey, and Kiley Harmeyer. Bill is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Dorothy Harmeyer (nee Fritsch), his parents, Gertrude and Harry Harmeyer, and 11 siblings: Bob, Joe, Paul, Ray, Norb, and Jackie Harmeyer, Sr. Cecilia Marie RSM, Jane Keller, Florence Rohe, Lorraine Brinck, and Angie Harmeyer.

Bill was born in the West End and moved with his family to Price Hill after the flood of 1937. After graduating from Holy Family, he attended St Xavier High School for one year and then discerned a call to the priesthood at the Athenaeum. Although he chose a different vocation, his faith and humility were hallmarks of his life.

Bill taught us the gift of hard work. After completing high school he embarked on a career in the HVAC industry where he worked for nearly sixty years, retiring from CINFAB at the age of 78. Known for his punctuality and precision, Bill's work ethic was unparalleled. To Bill, work was a gift and he was deeply appreciative of the opportunity to have worked on numerous iconic Cincinnati structures, including Paycor Stadium, Cintas Center, Riverfront Stadium, and the Great American Tower. In 2015 he was recognized with the Cincinnati Spirit of Construction Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bill cherished his wife Dororthy who he married in 1961. Bill's passion was spending time with Dorothy, their family and their 14 grandchildren. They enjoyed Cincinnati Reds games, Overhill Swim Club, high school sporting events and anything that would connect them with family and friends. With faith at the center of their marriage, Bill and Dorothy were members of Our Lady of Victory (OLV) parish for over 50 years and were active leaders in the OLV marriage ministry.

Known for his warm smile and outgoing personality, there are countless stories of Bill engaging strangers in conversation (especially if they had an Elder or Seton shirt on!). His heart for serving and connecting with others led him to be a Eucharistic minister at Christ Hospital for over 25 years. While Bill will be greatly missed, his family and friends are left with an amazing example of a life filled with faith, humility, dedication, hard work, and kindness. Bill’s mantra was, “Do all things for the greater honor and glory of God.” His life was a testament to this.

No visitation will take place. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday November 3rd at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Victory Church, 810 Neeb Road, Cincinnati, followed by a celebration of life at the OLV Convocation Center (next to the church) from 12-2. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bill’s wonderful life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Victory, 810 Neeb Road, Cinti, OH 45233, Seton High School 3901 Glenway Ave. Cinti, OH 45205, or Elder High School, 3900 Vincent Ave. Cinti, OH 45205.