William John Proctor

William J. Proctor, age 95, of Wilmington, DE, formerly of Lansdowne, PA, died peacefully on November 10, 2025, surrounded by family.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Joyce Proctor, the four daughters of whom he was so proud: Linda Shoff (Brian), Sandra Proctor, Heather Proctor (Craig Phelps), and Colleen Proctor. He is further survived by two beloved granddaughters: Abigail White, and Cassandra Hennessy (Conor).

Family-oriented, hard-working, strong, fun-natured, neighborly, generous – these are just a few adjectives to describe the patriarch of our family. He joked until his very last day and met his end with a smile as he was so grateful to have had 95 years of a life well-lived. It is a testament to his strength that he met his ending with such courage and grace.

Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a life-long member of the Masons. He spent his career as a master plumber and used to sport the shirt reminding people that “without plumbers – you’d have no place to go.”

A loyal friend, Bill had many significant friendships over the course of his lifetime and we are hopeful that as he makes his way into his next life, he’ll be able to again enjoy playing poker, pinochle, and having a beer with friends!

In addition to a rich social life, Bill was an avid reader, gardener, and listener of Irish folk music.

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Funeral Services

A Funeral Service will be held Friday November 14, 2025, at 11:00 am at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE 19803. Burial will be private.

Memorial donations may be made in his honor to the American Heart Association.

Condolences

Pat Okoniewski writes,

Colleen, 95 years isn't long enough but I hope you have memories that will last you a lifetime. It's a sad time and I will pray for all of you to find peace. (From Rob Lewis' mom)

11/12/2025 11:04 am

Carlyn lit a candle and writes,

I have so many wonderful memories of “Billy Boy”. Gentle Giant, quick curious mind, humble and funny! Great story teller, loved history. Really did enjoy his long, family-filled time on earth 🙂 Memories will abound to fill his place at the table. Rest Easy💕

11/12/2025 11:37 am

Glenda Oratorio writes,

My sincere condolences to the Proctor family.

11/12/2025 11:52 am

Kim Wooldridge writes,

Condolences to all of Bill’s girls. He always had a ready smile and a laugh and loved his “Danny Boy.” Love and hugs to you all. ❤️

11/12/2025 12:10 pm

Becky Price writes,

I had the privilege and pleasure of knowing Bill from the Brandywine Club. He found out I was an avid reader and I was the proud recipient of many of his books. He was an awesome person with a beautiful soul! He will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know him and love the kind and gentle man he was. My condolences to his family. Xo

11/12/2025 05:21 pm

Lisa Testa lit a candle and writes,

To the Proctor family - if we could all be so fortunate to have such a special bond as you shared with your father, Joyce with her husband and especially Abby and Cassie with their grandfather. ❤️

11/12/2025 07:18 pm

Robert Lewandowski writes,

Sorry to hear about the loss of Bill. I worked with Mr Proctor when I got out of the Navy at Kanicki plumbing. Bill was a very pleasant man to work with he taught me alot about plumbing and heating. I bought his old car 67 Oldsmobile cutlus when he traded it in at Delaware Oldsmobile. Best car I ever owned just like Bill he was a great guy to work with. I wished I would have kept in touch with him. Condolences to the family and friends. Bill lived a good life RIP 🙏

11/12/2025 09:44 pm

Ed Stephan writes,

I am sorry to hear about Bill's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at Reskovitz Plumbing & Heating. As his helper during my summers off, I was a school teacher, he always had a pleasant attitude and made starting each a joy no matter how difficult or dirty a job could be. He often talked about his family with great joy. I will keep him in my prayers.

11/13/2025 08:53 am

Joanne Minner writes,

What a lovely, giving man; What a thoughtful, selfless life; What a "job well done"; RIP Bill with God's Blessings. My heartfelt condolences to Joyce and the family.

11/13/2025 12:14 pm

Dottie Lovett writes,

When I worked at the Weston Senior Center, Bill was our go-to plumber. Never saw him without a smile on his face or heard an unkind word from him. A simply wonderful man with a sweetheart of a wife. He will be remembered.

11/13/2025 05:44 pm

Elizabeth Hennessy writes,

Dave and I send sincere sympathy and abundant love to the entire Proctor family. While our opportunities to meet Bill were few, the stories we’ve heard from all of you over the past several years confirm just how special he was.

11/13/2025 06:31 pm

Maria Klee writes,

So sorry to hear about your Father’s passing, Heather. My condolences to your family. Maria Klee

11/14/2025 06:18 pm

Darlene Payne MacDonald lit a candle and writes,

Joyce and Family, Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He always seemed to be smiling. You were great to have as neighbors when I lived on Olympia. Prayers for you and Family.

11/15/2025 06:18 pm

Gary Graham writes,

Linda and Family - My condolences to your whole family on the loss of Mr. Proctor. May everyone find peace and comfort in knowing Mr. Proctor is with our Lord and basking in all his glory.

12/04/2025 06:13 pm

Diane Grimaldi Whiting writes,

Sandy, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. He was always so kind, and he always made me laugh! Please give my condolences to your sisters and your mom. I know his loss is a huge one for your family. Sending you all love and hugs! Diane

12/10/2025 03:50 pm

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