William D. Fletcher, Sr.

William Daly Fletcher, Sr., age 92, of Hockessin, DE, passed on peacefully on July 17, 2018 surrounded by his loving children. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, son of the late John and Bridget (Hurles) Fletcher.

Bill was a gentle and caring person with an incredible will to live.  His enduring optimism brought smiles and encouragement to all who knew him. 

Bill was a WWII veteran serving in the Army Air Corp’s 98th Bomb Squad at the age of 18.  As an aerial gunner he participated in 39 combat missions as part of the Japan Eastern Mandates Western Pacific Campaigns.  He was discharged with several decorations and citations: Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal and Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with 3 bronze stars. 

Upon completion of Bill’s faithful service to his country he utilized the GI Bill to attend LaSalle University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting. He went on to enjoy a long career as a tax auditor with the IRS.

Bill dedicated his life to his family.  He was an avid reader, enjoyed learning new things, could hold a lively and informed discussion on virtually any topic and found great pleasure listening to classical music.  He will be remembered with great love and admiration by his 10 children and their spouses:  William Fletcher, Jr (Terry Hickey), Fran Fletcher-Tate (Bill),  Lorie Thornton (Jack),  Mark Fletcher (Theresa), Karen Fabris (John), Connie Fisher (Steve), Greg Fletcher (Sharon), Debbie Fletcher, Bruce Fletcher (Lisa) and Mike Fletcher (Ruth).   He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; and his sister Christina Connor of Wyncote, PA.  Bill was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years Florence Dolores Fletcher, his sister Mary Eves and his grandson, Gregory C. Fletcher, Jr.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 9:30am – 11:00am on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the Doherty Funeral Home 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00pm at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. Interment will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory can be sent to the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund, c/o Commission of Veteran Affairs, 802 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 100, Dover, DE 19904; the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901; or to Seasons Hospice, 220 Continental Drive, Newark, DE 19713.

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