Willard B. Hutton

Willard B. Hutton (Bill), aged 91, of Wilmington, DE passed away on July 10, 2025.  Born and raised in Wilmington, son of Ida Combs and Ernest T. Hutton.  Bill attended Christ Our King School and graduated from P.S DuPont High School in 1951.  He then went on to serve in the Army in Germany from 1953 – 1955.

He was a member of the New Castle County Football Association for 24 years and the International Approved Association of Basketball Officials for 30 years and officiated countless High School Football and Basketball games. He also worked many tournament and all star games, including state championship and Blue-Gold games. 

In 2019, Bill was inducted into the Delaware Basketball Hall of Fame.

Bill retired from Delmarva Power in 1993 after 37 years of service as a Sub-Station Forman.

In addition to his parents and infant brother, Bill was predeceased by his wife, Catherine Dougherty Hutton and his son, Gary D. Hutton.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Linda C. Skelly (George Skelly) of Lancaster PA; his brother Donald B. Hutton (Anne Hutton) of Rehoboth Beach, DE; his daughter-in-law, Lisa Hutton of Newburg, IN and his three grandchildren, Patrick T. Skelly (Casey McIntosh) of Ellicott City, MD, Jennifer Hutton of Nashville, TN and Alexandra Skelly of Lancaster, PA.

Bill was widely known for his quick wit and his stylish flair as a referee.  His favorites times were spent in Rehoboth Beach, DE with his grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Friday, July 25 from 11:00 – 12:00PM, with a Catholic funeral service beginning at 12:00PM. A luncheon will follow at Bill’s home.

The family would especially like to thank the neighbors of Sheridan Square who were so kind to Bill over the years.  A special mention should be made of Chris and Pat Attix who went way beyond what one would expect of any neighbor.  Their kindness allowed Bill to remain independent and content in his own home for many years.

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