William J. Reader, active in community
William J. “Bill” Reader, 82, of Lewes, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 11, 2023. He was born June 19, 1941, in New Castle, son of the late William J. and Teresa (Silfies) Reader.
A native Delawarean, Bill was born and raised in Historic New Castle, and attended William Penn High School, graduating in 1959. Bill was a gifted athlete, excelling in football as the 1st Team All-State quarterback. In track and field, he was the state high jump champion and past record holder of the state javelin record. He also played basketball. After high school, Bill ran with the Philadelphia Pioneers Track and Field Club for two years. He answered the call to serve his state, and joined the Delaware Air National Guard, serving for seven years. Bill’s path would lead him to a lengthy and successful career with Hewlett Packard, where he served in various management positions, retiring after 38 years with the company.
Bill was extremely connected to his community; he was the director of St. Edmond’s Boys Academy in Wilmington, twice elected trustee of New Castle Common, serving 18 years, and a member of the New Castle Lions Club for years. After migrating to Sussex County, Bill continued his community involvement as director of the Lewes Historical Society, and a lifetime member of the Lewes Yacht Club, where he was past finance chair and past commodore. One of the projects that Bill was most proud of was his involvement with the Lightship Overfalls, where he was a founding member and past director of the Overfalls Foundation, and for 17 years, he spearheaded the restoration of the beloved lightship. In 2012, William was inducted into the Delaware Maritime Hall of Fame. Bill’s love of life was contagious, and he lived his life to the fullest. He had many hobbies, including reading, bike riding, road running, woodworking, boating, fishing, tennis and travel. He and Joan traveled extensively through the U.S. and Europe, creating unforgettable memories. Bill’s devotion to his family took precedence above all. The biggest joy of his life was his wife Joan, whom he affectionately called Stu. He was a loving and devoted husband, dad, pop pop, and friend, and he will be forever missed by the people whose lives he touched.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; his son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Jill; his grandchildren, Will and Claire; and his sister, Joan Stevenson.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 18, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Mr. Reader’s memory to the Overfalls Foundation, P.O. Box 413, Lewes, DE 19958, overfalls.org; or Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, DE 19958, lewes.lib.de.us.
Visit Bill’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
