Bill started playing the trumpet at age 9. In the 1940s, Bill connected with Harry Wilson’s big band in Wayne, PA, which played local events, and met Harry’s little sister, Dorothy, a pianist prodigy, who would later become his wife.
After receiving a degree in accounting from the University of Penn, Bill enlisted in the Military Reserve at the University of Penn for three years, then enlisted in the Army and served as a sergeant in WWII. With an honorable discharge, Bill then attended the Wharton School of the University of Penn, where he received a Master of Laws degree.
Bill and Dorothy were the proud parents of five children: Bill (Nancy), Donna (David), Barry (Laurie), Jeffrey (Michele), and Craig. Bill coached little league teams in Paoli, PA, for many years while his sons played, and was a formidable tennis participant. He and Dorothy also enjoyed golfing, traveling, entertaining, and of course, playing music. Together they played society events all along the Main Line. As eight grandchildren came along, Bill and Dorothy made sure to create special memories for every child to treasure into adulthood, both in their Tannersville, PA, summer home, and their various FL residences in the winter.
Predeceased by his sons Craig, 2000, and Barry, 2002, and his wife Dorothy, also in 2002, Bill continued to keep active with sports, a friendly beer at the neighborhood bar, and playing with four different musical bands (symphony, orchestra, swing and Dixie land). Knowing hundreds of tunes, you could give him a phrase and he’d give you a song. At his ocean front condo, he learned to cook and taught himself piano. You could often find him playing under the watchful eye of his beloved cat, Tanner.
Bill was a faithful, kind, generous, and smart gentlemen. He cherished his relationships with family and friends above all else and surrounded himself with pictures of his loved ones. We thank you for all of the visits, laughter, music, dinners, and care-taking, and for the cards and gifts – they were appreciated greatly. Bill was loved dearly by those who were lucky enough to know him and will be missed.
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