Mr. VonDenBosch, known to many as "Billy Busch", played basketball and baseball at Southern High School in the 1950's. He spent his summers playing baseball for the nationally ranked Leone’s Cafe 16-18 amateur baseball team. In 1958, began playing men's fast-pitch softball for legendary manager Frank Taylor. Taylor said Bill was not only Maryland's best home grown fast-pitch softball player, but he was one of Maryland's greatest hitters. Taylor said Bill led his teams by example both on and off the field. He was recognized for his participation in softball by being inducted into numerous Hall of Fames, most notably Maryland's Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in 1980 and Maryland's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. Vince Bagli, who spoke at his Hall of Fame induction said to be successful in fast pitch softball, you need superb pitching and excellent hitting. Bill VonDenBosch gave you both. During his 19 year long career, his teams won 8 Eastern State Industrial Championships, 9 Maryland State Championships, and 3 Central Atlantic Regional Championships. He played in 15 Regional and 3 National Tournaments. He was especially proud of pitching consecutive no-hitters in both baseball and fast pitch softball. Bill was named Most Valuable Player/Pitcher on 14 occasions. He retired from softball in 1975.
Mr. VonDenBosch was married to his childhood sweetheart, Geraldine Spiegel for 56 years. They both grew up on the south-side of Baltimore in an area called Brooklyn. In 1973, they moved their family to Harford County where they have resided for over 40 years.
Mr. VonDenBosch, along with his wife, spent his retired years watching his grandsons, David and Brendan, play sports, particularly baseball from tee ball through college. His daughters will tell you watching his grandsons play baseball brought him the greatest joy. He often said that his work and his sports were the things he did, but being a husband, parent, and grandparent was the most wonderful part of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Gerry of 56 years, daughters Laurie VonDenBosch-McGee and her husband Joe, Cindy VonDenBosch-Butler and her husband Matt, and grandsons Brendan Butler and David McGee. Also survived by his brothers Frank and his wife Pat, Robert, Marshall and his wife Delores, and his sister Peggy Sauble. Also by brother-in-law Frank Spiegel and his wife Marsha, and sister-in-law Lorraine Cisar and her husband Jim.
The will be a Memorial Mass celebrated at St. Mark's in Fallston, Friday, June 12th at 1:00 PM. Online tributes may be left at WWW.Schimunekfuneralhomes.com.
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