William R. Van Wambeke

William “Bill” Robert Van Wambeke of Tampa, Florida passed away on January 24, 2022. He was born in Elgin, Illinois on March 12, 1949 to Ruth and Robert Van Wambeke. The second oldest of four, his sisters Judy, Diane and Shirley survive him. Bill grew up playing basketball for the Barrington Broncos where he was leading scorer and MVP his senior year. He then attended Illinois State where he met his first wife, Barbara. They married and had four children, Josh (deceased), Lewis, Weston and Megan. They eventually moved from Illinois to Maryland where Bill discovered his love for the Chesapeake Bay and sailing. His kids grew up following their dad’s passion for the water and basketball, which they continued into college.

After Barbara’s passing, Bill met his second wife Debra, affectionately known as “GrandDeb,” with whom he spent 23 loving, fun filled and adventurous years. During this time Bill welcomed six grandkids, Sarah, Josh, Jared, Luke, Isabella and Elise. His latest family additions were his two beloved dogs, Lucy and Soji.

Following graduation from George Washington University School of Medicine, Bill became a Physician Assistant. While working full time as a PA, he attended the University of Maryland School of Law, graduating with honors. He was a successful attorney for over 36 years with Smith, Somerville & Case, Supervising Attorney for Zurich and Wausau Insurance Companies, Group Counsel for USF&G (St. Paul/Travelers), and General Counsel for M. Hayes & Associates. He was a certified mediator for the circuit courts and was a frequent speaker on Medicare compliance at the national conferences for RIMS, SAWCA, DRI, ABA and Michigan Self-Insured Association. He wrote, and through the years spoke, on Litigation Management, Occupational Disease Law and the compensability of Work-Related Stress. Most of his closest friends were colleagues he met throughout his professional career.

Bill will be remembered most for his generosity and caring for others. He was involved in several charitable organizations. He was a long-time member of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. Bill also volunteered at Sarah’s House, a homeless shelter in Baltimore, entertaining the children in the daycare. He and his wife Debra would often make contributions to the local food bank. He would even take his grandchildren on special trips to the grocery store so they could help pick out items to fill up the food bank bin. He never missed an opportunity to help others.

Bill was a member of Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, 3723 W. Bay to Bay Blvd, Tampa, Florida where services will be held on Monday, January 31, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Bruce Toms and Pastor Bernie Lieving officiating. Burial will take place in Annapolis, Maryland. A Memorial Service in Maryland is being planned for a later date. Bill was passionate about the environment and protecting it for future generations. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Catholic Climate Covenant https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/donate.