William R Newlin

William "Bill" Newlin of Melbourne, FL, a retired engineer, died Thursday, December 27, 2012 at the age of 85. Born in Wayne, MI, his early life was inspired by being part of a family of six boys and three girls, including his only surviving youngest sister, Barbara. As often recounted at family reunions, the creative endeavors and adventures of the "Newlin boys” sparked Bill's lifelong pursuit and mastery of mechanics and electronics, and also his love of outdoors. As a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, Bill witnessed devastation of World War II as part of the occupying forces in Berlin and Nuremburg, Germany. Bill married Gloria Rosowski, raising six children, Vicki, Brian, Lori, Roger, Randy, and Eric. He joined the team of telecommunications pioneers at Michigan Bell Telephone and as a lead equipment engineer, brought modern electronic telephone switching throughout Michigan. Bill and Gloria loved their long time home in Farmington Hills, MI and their children grew and started their own families, giving him fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. They eventually retired to Melbourne, FL. Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and spent thirty-six years managing its symptoms. Even after losing Gloria eleven years ago, he was determined to continue life as usual and his inner strength, positive attitude and always present sense of humor inspired everyone that knew him. The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the staff of Hibiscus Court and Hospice of Health First. Memorial suggestions for Bill are the National Parkinson’s Foundation P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018 or to the Hibiscus Court Employee Appreciation Fund at 540 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901. There will be a private service at Florida Memorial Gardens. Florida Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.