William L. McNiff

September 6, 1934 – May 3, 2025

There were moments in his life, and he gave his life to those moments …

William L. “Bill” McNiff, of Elizabethtown, PA, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, PA.

He is predeceased by his wife of over 60 years, Eileen; his parents John and Della McNiff; his siblings John McNiff, Joseph McNiff, Kevin McNiff and Kathleen Pedersen; and his grandson Henry Franco.

He is survived by his wife Jane Stetzler of Elizabethtown, PA; his brother Charles McNiff (Peggy) of New Milford, NJ; and his four children, William C. McNiff (Tracy) of Marietta, PA; Kathrine Markley (John) of Lancaster, PA; Laura Kline (Joel) of Palmyra, PA; and Maureen Gamber (Mark) of Lititz, PA

He is survived by his seven grandchildren: Emily McNiff-Walton, Jack Gamber, Connor McNiff, Alecia McNiff, Rachel Kline, Alexandra Kline and Evan Kline; and his four great-grandchildren: Adalyn, Noah, Sophie & Liam McNiff.

Bill served in the US Army in Germany during the Korean War. After the war, he studied accounting at the Collegiate Business College in New York. After college he had a long and successful career as a sales representative for brands including Motts, Gillette, Scott’s Fertilizer, and Slaymaker Locks and eventually started his own sales company, The Lancaster Trading Company.

For 55 years, Bill dedicated his life to guiding others toward recovery. Bill transformed countless lives through counseling, mentorship, and as a steady and unwavering role model.

Bill’s enduring legacy was writing and performing the play Moments: a one-man performance based on the life and times of Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.

This show has been presented domestically and internationally to tens of thousands in recovery. Bill was filmed presenting “Moments…” at the Betty Ford Center for DVD distribution and was a recipient of President George HW Bush’s “Thousand Points of Light.”

Bill had a profound love for his family. One of his fondest memories was taking his clan on a trip to Ireland to see where their grandparents lived before coming to America. He also was known for his incredible sense of humor, and he loved to learn and tell jokes. He had a knack for spreading joy in common, everyday moments. His wit filled those around him with laughter and his ability to make people smile will be dearly missed but fondly remembered.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM at 521 Club, 2400 Butter Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 2:30 PM and light refreshments will be served following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the 521 Club at the address listed above.