William J. "Bill" Bengel

William J. “Bill” Bengel, age 77, a lifelong resident of Erie passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025 at the Sarah Reed Senior Living Center. He was born in Erie on March 22, 1948, the son of the late James and Ruth (Stutz) Bengel.

Bill was a 1966 graduate of Cathedral Prep and a 1971 graduate of Gannon College, now Gannon University. At Gannon, he earned a Bachelors degree in History and a teaching certificate in Social Studies. Bill completed graduate work at Penn State University Park as well, earning his Masters degree in August 1978. During his 30 year career at Mercyhurst Preparatory School, Bill served first as a Social Studies teacher and as a girl’s varsity basketball coach and later as Athletic Director and Assistant Principal.

During his 17 years of coaching, Bill’s teams won a total of 303 games including seven District 10 championships and two state championships. He was inducted into the Metro Erie Chapter, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. Earlier in his career, Bill also taught and coached boy’s basketball at Sacred Heart Grade School in Erie.

Besides his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Jill (Figurski) Bengel who died in 2023.

He leaves behind his three sons; Matthew Bengel and his fiancé, Xenia Chu, Joshua Bengel and his wife Karen, and Eric Bengel and his wife Courtney, all of Erie. Bill is also survived by his grandchildren, Kailah, Codey, Matthew Jr., Eythan, Trenton, Quinton, Nora, Claire, Emmett, Chloe, Jordynn, Carson, and three great-grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his brothers, Rick Bengel (Jessica) and Bob Bengel (Mary) and his sisters, Kathy Cornish (Don) and Charlene Frank (George) all of Erie as well as his sister, Karen Bengel of Bethesda, MD along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Bill was an exceptional teacher, coach and mentor throughout his working life. He loved working with young people and had an exceptional talent for reaching them. He was highly regarded and will be fondly remembered by his colleagues, students, and players alike. He inspired many of his former students and players to follow him into the teaching and coaching ranks. He was proud of all his former students and players. Throughout his retirement years, he enjoyed often recalling the many fond memories and moments they made and shared.

Along with his lifelong love of family, teaching, and basketball, Bill enjoyed hiking, camping and attending the open -wheeled auto races held on the road courses at Watkins Glen International Racetrack and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 816 W.26th St. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mercyhurst Prep or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services Inc, West Ridge, 3801 W.26th St.

Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com