William John Ohno, dedicated husband, father
William “Bill” John Ohno, 71, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, at his home in Millsboro, with his devoted wife, caregiver, and advocate, Maria, by his side. After a rigorous, yet courageous, battle with cancer, Bill is finally at peace.
Bill was born March 15, 1953, in Montpelier, Vt. He grew up in Saugerties, N.Y., and graduated from Saugerties High School in 1971. Bill played football, basketball, and baseball in high school. Bill graduated college from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1975, after which he worked for over 40 years as a cartographer for the U.S. Department of Defense, and then NOAA in the Washington, D.C. area. He retired from NOAA in 2020, fulfilling his dream of spending the rest of his life near the beach.
Bill was an avid runner and cyclist, who enjoyed these activities as not only a solitary pursuit, but also competitively in races, marathons, and triathlons. He loved watching sports—high school, college, and professional. You could often find him on the weekends in the stands of the local high school sporting events, supporting the upcoming young athletes and community. Bill loved staying active, healthy, and being outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, the beach, taking walks, good movies, and reading books. His favorite authors were John Grisham, David Baldacci, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, and James Patterson, to name a few. He enjoyed receiving books from his brother, Rich, and enjoyed talking sports with him every week.
In addition to his enthusiasm for sports and appreciation of the outdoors, Bill treasured spending time with friends and family at local restaurants and breweries, and listening to music. He found passion and peace in playing his guitar. We will always remember him when we hear “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away”—his favorite song to play—or any tunes from his all-time favorite musicians, The Beatles and Mark Knopfler. Bill looked forward to the annual college reunions hosted by his good college friend, Bob Casero, in his home. He called them “Good Catching Up Times!”
We will all miss his delightful guitar playing, honest and forthright nature, smile/laugh, and kind, sincere temperament. We will also miss hoisting an IPA or two with him, one of his great pleasures in life.
Bill (also known as Pop to his grandchildren) is survived by his loving wife, Maria; his beloved daughters, Jaime Porter (William) and Lauren Gasher (Rich); stepson, Mark Fabian (Rachel); grandchildren, Brooklynn, Ethan and Lincoln Gasher, and Aliyah Fabian; sisters, Sara (Sally) Scannell (Jim) and Margaret (Meg) Lachmann (Bob); sister-in-law, Cheryl (Cheree) Ohno; nieces and nephews, Michael (Katie), Thomas, and Caralyn Ohno, Patrick and Elizabeth Scannell, Matthew Swart (Kassadi), and Lily Lachmann (Eloise); childhood best friend, Paul Piastro (Linda); and several cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, Roy and Betty Ohno; his brother, Rich Ohno; and cousin, Andy Towle.
Bill wholly loved his wife, children, grandchildren, brother, sisters, cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as the many friends to whom he was loyal and maintained throughout his lifetime. Bill’s family and friends will forever remember his kind heart, hardworking nature, and the joy he brought to those around him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. We will miss you, Bill. May you rest in peace in heaven and give our love to Roy and Betty (parents, grandparents), Rich (brother), and Andy (cousin).
Funeral Service will begin promptly at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 4, at the St. Andrew The Apostle Orthodox Church, 33384 Mackenzie Way, Lewes. Burial will follow the services at St. Peter's Cemetery, 660 Pilottown Rd., Lewes.
A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 3, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to Sunday Breakfast Mission or Food Bank of Delaware.
Visit Bill’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
