Clair Aldus Pyle passed away on August 28th, 2026 in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He was born to Charles Pyle and Ella Eppihimer on June 23rd, 1929 in Wagontown, Pennsylvania. He grew up going to Coatesville intermediate schools and lived on Hatfield Road next to The Hatfield House—his second home, where he and his dear friend for life “Bud” Wilson could frequently be found eating cookies in the home’s kitchen as young boys.

After graduating from Coatesville Area Senior High School, he then joined The United States Army in 1950 where he attended the Southeastern Signal School in Camp Gordon, Georgia. He completed two years in Korea and then came home to Wagontown to begin working as a cable splicer for the Bell Telephone Company. It’s at this time that Clair was affectionately nicknamed “Porky”. After 38 years of climbing poles with the telephone company, Porky, found himself as the most life-experienced (oldest) cadet in the Reading Police Academy. Upon graduating, he started working as a part-time patrol officer for West Caln Township. Having been approached by the Honey Brook Council of Supervisors with a request to become Honey Brook Township Police Chief, he accepted.

Porky and his son Dean had boats on the North East River in Maryland where he took part in one of his life’s greatest pleasures, being on the water with his wife Betty and their family. His home never had a quiet moment as every morning started with music being played. Whether it be Andre Rue, Kate Smith, or The Country Reunion program, Porky always made sure to have music on and heard by all. Every family visit included many singalongs. Three of his favorite songs were, “Smile” by Jermaine Jackson, “Old dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine” by Tom T. Hall, and the classic hymn “Are Ye Able”. His favorite TV Shows were Gunsmoke and In The Heat of The Night, since everyone pointed out his uncanny resemblance to Chief Gillespie. As a retired police chief, his Thursday morning visits to the Parkesburg Police Station for coffee, donuts, and conversation were a hallowed tradition he rarely missed. The Thursday morning meetings became such a fixture at the station, that Parkesburg Police renamed the break room “The Chief Clair Pyle Coffee & Donut Shop” .

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Pyle and his son Douglas Pyle. He is survived by his son Dean Pyle, Daughter Linda Temple, her partner Earl S. Anderson Junior aka “Flip”, and his most dedicated friend Gerry Lindenlauf. He leaves behind a legacy of two grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. 

Services are private and at the convenience of the family. 

Until we sing together again Pop, we will smile.