William Henry Dryden II

William H. “Bill” Dryden II, age 85, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2022 with his family by his side.

Bill was born and raised in Wilmington, DE, the eldest son of the late Gordon and Catherine (Jones) Dryden. Bill was a graduate of Conrad High School and served as a member of the Marine Corps Reserve. Bill was delighted that one of his grandsons recently worked at Camp Lejeune, the military base at which he had been stationed some 60 years prior. Bill graduated from Goldey-Beacom College and worked in the mortgage business throughout the Wilmington area for over 42 years. When his boys were young, Bill was active as a baseball coach and scout leader.

Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Karen (Anderson/Hartert) Dryden; his children, James Dryden (Marianne), William Dryden, Robert Hartert, and David Hartert (Beth).

A devoted grandfather, “PopPop” could often be found at swim meets, football games, soccer matches, plays, and concerts, cheering for his grandchildren, Christopher and Stephanie Dryden, and Kinsey, Cole, and Quinton Hartert. His presence in their daily lives will be missed, but his love and support will be felt forever.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sisters, Ellen and Eleanor Dryden. He is survived by his brothers, Wayne Dryden (Bea) and Robert Dryden; his brother-in-law, Craig Anderson (Pat); along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and members of his extended family.

Bill was an avid sailor who enjoyed being on his boat and loved living on the water. He was happy to make his home in the Chesapeake Isle community of North East, MD, where he served on numerous committees and in various roles, including president and harbor master, for many years. A respected member of the community, Bill was well known for his sense of humor and love of making others laugh.

Family and friendships were of the utmost importance to Bill, as evidenced by the many family gatherings hosted in his home, time spent with golfing buddies, and the “Gang” of friends with whom he and Karen enjoyed countless memories. Events at the Delaware Saengerbund, Fastnacht Follies, Super Bowl weekends, and community cruises created memories that will be cherished by all who were a part of Bill’s life.

A funeral service will be celebrated at 11:00am on Friday, May 6, 2022 at St. Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church, 315 South Main Street, North East, MD 21901, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00am. A light luncheon will be offered following the service. Interment will be held privately in Gracelawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory can be made to the Music Program at St. Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church.

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