Obituaries

Jeff Willoughby: born, raised, and substantial contributor to Danville history and life, went West to seek new horizons on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at his home. He was 68 years old.

Jeff was a jack of many trades: historian and antiques researcher; World War II buff and reenactor; writer of fiction and historical books; aviator and aircraft builder; father; grandfather; and singer and musician, most notably as a founding member and bass guitarist in Hybrid Ice, “the most famous unknown band in the world.” He and his wife Rebecca (Lynn) Willoughby also performed together as the duo “Stardust” from 2002-2008, and he shared his talents with many guitar students both at Studio Brick and in his home.

With his ex-wife Joyce (Ford) Willoughby, he helped raise four children in the house he built in Valley Township and followed hobbies as diverse as model building; genealogical research and making chicken salad out of …if you know, you know. He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his skill with memory made him a natural president of his family reunion committee. A member of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 369, for many years he occupied a portion of his creative spirit building a 5/8 scale StuKa dive-bomber from scratch in his garage.

In addition to his wife Rebecca and ex-wife Joyce, Jeff is survived by his sons; Cort Willoughby and his wife Amy (Graham) and their four children, Maddy, Delaney, Mia and Zane; and Derek Willoughby as well as one daughter; Ashley Willoughby and her partner Jacob Plocinski and their son Coby; and his mother Dorothy (Willoughby) Eister of Danville and sister; Elaine (Willoughby) Kuhns and her husband Rick of Selinsgrove. He was preceded in death by one son: Nathan J. Willoughby and his father John J. Willoughby. He has left behind many dear friends.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

A Celebration of Life is planned for midsummer of 2024.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Nathan J. Willoughby Memorial Scholarship Fund; Service 1st Federal Credit Union, 861 Bloom Road, Danville, PA 17821 or www.service1.org.