William Griffith Harbison, Jr.

William Griffith Harbison, Jr., of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in his

home on April 6, 2026, at the age of 69. Will was born on September 21, 1956, in

Abington, Pennsylvania.

He attended William Penn Charter School, graduating in 1974. He went on to earn his

degree from Bucknell University with the Class of 1978, where he was a proud member

of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity — a brotherhood that remained close to his heart.

Will devoted 46 distinguished years to the specialty metals and high-performance

materials industry — a career that took him across the country and around the world.

He began immediately after graduating from Bucknell in 1978 at Jones and Laughlin

Steel, launching what would become one of the most respected careers in the steel and

specialty metals business.

He went on to serve at J&L Specialty Steel and Cyclops Steel, followed by Special Metals

(2008–2013). The culmination of his career came at VDM Metals USA (2013–2025), an

international leader in the industry based in Florham Park, New Jersey, where he served

as Senior Vice President, Commercial. Over his tenure, Will moved out of state seven

times in service of his profession — a testament to his dedication and the extraordinary

demand for his expertise. He retired from VDM Metals USA in December 2025.

In addition to his professional career, Will was known to all as a singularly delightful

and engaging friend, always sought out at social occasions for his humor, curiosity,

encyclopedic knowledge, and interest in listening. He was —to say the least—

particularly gifted mechanically. Starting with rebuilding a Volkswagen in his early

teens, he could fix or make almost anything from scratch. His home workshop included

professional woodworking and metalworking equipment, which he refurbished himself.

He operated with a craftsman’s hand to make tall case clocks and poster beds for each of

his children, and an entirely rebuilt 1964 BMW motorcycle and Willy’s Jeep, among

many other things over decades. His patience and generosity in helping his many

friends with their otherwise doomed projects was legendary. “You better call Will

Harbison” was perhaps the most frequent advice uttered among his many mechanically

challenged friends in his hometown of Sewickley, Pennsylvania.

He delighted in extensive travel with his family and imbued them all with his sense of adventure and

discovery, including regular gatherings in Martha’s Vineyard and the Jersey Shore.

Beyond the workshop, Will enjoyed sharing stories with those he loved. His quick wit,

independence, and humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Will is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Katharine Thomas Harbison. He was a

devoted father to Will Harbison III of Skagway, Alaska, Elizabeth Woods (Mark) of

Ipswich, Massachusetts, and Margaret Harbison (Felipe Cristi) of Santiago, Chile. He

cherished his grandchildren Baker and Olivia Woods, and Andrés Cristi.

Will is also survived by his sisters, Anne Kabay (Doug) and Carol Hancock (Ned), and by

his many dear friends and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Griffith Harbison Sr. and Joan Barton

Driscoll.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Allegheny Country Club, 250 Country Club Road,

Sewickley, PA 15108, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages honoring Will’s memory by spending time with

loved ones, sharing stories, and embracing the moments that matter most.

"You better call Will Harbison."