William Darrell Volkmer, Sr.

Bill was born on June 4, 1936, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. At the age of 16, the Volkmer family moved to the south, where he attended the Georgia Institute of Technology and joined the Delta Upsilon fraternity as a charter member. Bill subsequently became a successful mechanical engineer with a distinct passion for the rail transit industry. In 1958, he began his career as a master mechanic for the Pennsylvania Railroad. While working in Philadelphia, he met and married his wife of 62 years, Anna May Devereaux.

Later, he managed quality control for General Electric in Erie, PA, and worked with Kaiser Engineers as a project engineer, consulting on projects for Boeing, and the Miami and Los Angeles Metro Rail systems. Further, he worked as the Technical Support Manager for Herzog Contracting Corp. and went on to become the Chief Mechanical Officer for the Tri-County Commuter Rail Authority in south Florida.

When it came to railroads, Bill was not only a designer and an expert but a true railfan. On many family outings, Bill could be found parked beside the train tracks, photographing locomotives to add to his massive slide and photograph collection. He eventually authored several books about railroads, locomotives, and trolleys.

In his free time, Bill was known as “Iron Horse” in the Indian Guides, volunteered as Cubmaster, photographed the Whittier High School Band for their banquet slide shows, played the piano and the organ, and enjoyed the classic old sounds of ragtime music. His family enjoyed his analogies, storytelling, and above all, his sense of humor.

Bill will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, his spirit and the memories we shared will live on in our hearts forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and, his beloved daughter, Constance Volkmer Savaglio.

Bill is survived by his wife, Anna May Volkmer; children, Diane Walters, William Volkmer, Jr., and Jan Volkmer (Richard); grandchildren, Allyssa Savaglio, Julia Savaglio, and Justin Savaglio; and, his sister, Mary Ann Pope (John).

The Volkmer Family invites you to join us for a Memorial Service at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Gotha, Florida.

If you would like to send flowers, www.seasonsdesignstudio.com is recommended.

Fond memories & kind condolences may be offered for the Volkmer family in the online guest book below.

May his soul rest in peace.