William F. Lalor

William F. Lalor, age 90, of Kennett Square, PA, formerly of Hockessin, DE passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at Brandywine Senior Living at Longwood after a brief illness.

Bill was born in Newark, New Jersey, the son of Vincent and Gertrude Lalor. Upon graduation from Bloomfield High School Bill spent two years in military service with the US 8th Army Air Corp., serving in Okinawa. He returned home and graduated from Panzer College (now Montclair State University) with a degree in Health and Physical Education.

While in college Bill went on a double date and met Stephanie, his friend’s date. She impressed him, and Bill told the friend he would like to ask Stephanie out. So began a love story that lasted over sixty-eight years. They were married in December 1948 until Stephanie’s passing in February 2016.

After graduation Bill embarked on a remarkable forty-two year career with Stuart Pharmaceuticals (now Astra Zeneca). Starting out as a sales rep in Northern New Jersey and was soon transferred to South Florida where he and Stephanie enjoyed life as newlyweds in Coral Gables. More promotions and transfers found Bill and Stephanie relocated to Massachusetts living in Natick and then Framingham. During this time they were blessed with four children. The next move came with relocation to Pasadena, CA and the last transfer to Delaware.

At the time Bill joined Stuart, it was a small vitamin company. Over time the organization grew in size and expanded into research and development of products that included new drugs for the treatment of hypertension and breast cancer. As he advanced to senior leadership positions, Bill assembled and led an exceptional marketing and sales organization that was integral to the success of the company. At his retirement Bill was President of the ICI Pharmaceuticals Group. Bill’s greatest ability was connecting with people and he was genuinely interested in learning about them. Bill told his children and grandchildren on numerous occasions to treat everyone as your equal; you’re no better or worse than anyone else. This mindset took him far in life.

Bill was involved with the Susan G. Komen foundation, and began a policy that provided medications to patients who could not afford them. He was active with several industry organizations including serving as Chair of the US Pharmaceutical Industry Association. He also held board positions in his community including United Way of DE, Sanford School and Christiana Care to name a few.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Brandywine Senior Living at Longwood for their exemplary care and compassion, and to Holisticare Hospice who made his last days comfortable and peaceful. Special thanks to care manager Erin Kershaw and heartfelt thanks to our brother Bill and Dawn Henry for their constant and loving attention to Dad.

Bill is survived by his children; Mary Lou Mongan (Ed) of Houston, TX, Susan Lalor, of New Port Richey, FL, Judy Poole (Wally) of Charlotte, NC and Bill (Dawn Henry), of Wilmington, DE and his grandchildren Kate Mc Donald (Jarett and great grand children Ellie, Ben and Owen) Tricia Handza (Tom and great grandson and namesake Will) Trip Poole, Ted Mongan and Maddy Poole.

Bill’s love of life and being around people, as well as his devotion to his Catholic faith, could only be eclipsed by his love of Stephanie as they traveled through life together. Their standing Sunday golf game, whether in FL, DE or PA, lasted decades. When Stephanie was no longer physically able to play, Bill also played less in order to spend more time with his partner. Sadly with her passing the light in his world was diminished and as a family we all knew he wanted to be with her. We know he was excited to be with his best friend again this Sunday morning and possibly play eighteen holes.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org or the charity of your choice.