William F. Moss Jr., National Park Service retiree

William F. Moss Jr., 80, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away at home Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023.  He was born June 6, 1942,  in Washington, D.C., son of the late William F. and Anna Maria (McGuigan)  Moss.

William graduated from John Carroll High School in Washington, D.C., Class of 1960. He enjoyed his career as a forest firefighter and maintenance technician for the National Park Service, retiring in 1995 after many dedicated years. His faith was a pillar in his life, and he was a devoted member of St. Edmond Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach.

Affectionately known as "The Senator," William had a lifelong passion for horse racing, and going to the track was one of the things he most enjoyed. He attended all three Triple Crown races for Secretariat, the first horse since 1948 to capture America's coveted Triple Crown. William loved trivia games, especially Jeopardy, and was a bourbon connoisseur. He had a wicked sense of humor and enjoyed bringing a smile to people's faces. William loved the ocean and enjoyed watching the sunrise every morning over the water. More than anything, he treasured time spent with those he held most dear. William was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Loved by many, he will be deeply and genuinely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

William is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Elizabeth "Bonnie" Moss of Rehoboth Beach; his children: Elizabeth Crandall (Edward) of Germantown, Md., Ashley Moss-Pham (Thinh) of Boyds, Md., Rodney Moss (Sharon) of Grasonville, Md., and William Moss III (Jenn) of Providence Forge, Va.; his granddaughter, Emma Margaret Pham of Boyds; his siblings: Patricia Kahn (Greg) of New Orleans, La., Dolores Hulick of New York City, Robert Moss (Joan) of Homestead, Fla., and George Moss of Rehoboth Beach; and his niece, Barbara Ann Hulick of Houston, Texas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 3, at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in William’s memory to Brandywine Valley SPCA, bvspca.org/donate.

Visit Mr. Moss’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.