William Christy Monroe

William Christy (Bill) Monroe, age 92, died Monday, December 21, 2020 at Park Lane at Bellingham, West Chester, PA after a long illness. Born July 21, 1928 in Galion, OH, he was the eldest son of Charles and Helen (nee Christy) Monroe. During his teen years he spent summers working at area farms, and often reflected on the enjoyment of those days. An avid athlete and sports fan, he was a member of the diving, track, and football teams at Galion High School from which he graduated in 1946, and was a member of the cross country team at the College of Wooster, where he earned his BA in Chemistry. He also completed post-graduate courses at Ohio State University and was a devoted fan of the Buckeyes.

Following graduation, he pursued his love of healthcare and joined Warner Chilcott. After a brief stint at Westvaco, he landed a position at Wyeth where he was employed for more than 25 years in various positions including Deputy General Manager of the Tokyo, Japan division and Chairman and General Manager of the Turkish division in Istanbul, Turkey.

A lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, Bill filled various roles over the years. He was ordained as a deacon, served as a treasurer, and sang in the choir.

Active in the community and a man of many interests, he volunteered weekly for several years at the Bryn Mawr Hospital where he was a member of the IRB that reviewed and approved participation in clinical trials. He also served on a hospital board in Istanbul. He was a poll monitor at Devon Manor and volunteer marshal at PGA tournaments.

An ardent traveler, Bill was fortunate to have visited all seven continents and made friends throughout the world. He especially enjoyed educational cruises with Lindblad Expeditions and annual visits to Bethany Beach, DE for reunions with his beloved family who will greatly miss his storytelling, infectious laughter, limerick recitations, love of children, competitive spirit, and generosity.

He is preceded in death by his parents; younger brother, John; and wife, Lynn (nee Dalberg). Survivors include his cherished Helen, with whom he shared life and love; his first wife, Nancy Herbst Monroe Sechrest; his children: Robert Monroe and wife Debra (nee Escott) of Harbor Springs, MI; Charles Monroe and wife Susan Gleason of Amesbury, MA; Paul Monroe and wife Hallie (nee Richards) of North Chittendon, VT; Carrie Monroe Fontaine and husband John of Macungie, PA; niece Martha Monroe and husband Tom Harris; nephew Jonathan Monroe and wife Andrea Pesce; 7 grandchildren, Rachel, Emily, Colin, Izzy, Max, Allison and Natalie; two great grandchildren, Thea and Oliver; and 2 great nieces, Katie and Allison.

A memorial service will be held at a date yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in his memory to: Wayne Presbyterian Church, 125 East Lancaster Ave., Wayne, PA 19087.