William Francis Harkins

William F. Harkins, Sr., 93, of Wilmington, Delaware passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025.  Born in Wilmington, Delaware on November 23, 1931, he was the son of the late Charles R. Harkins and Nellie (Elliott) Harkins. 

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Marie (Vignola) Harkins, his wife for over 66 years.  In addition, he was predeceased by his sisters, Ruth (Harkins) Turner and Helen (Harkins) Slanina, and his son, William F. Harkins, Jr. 

Everyone who knew him called him “Bill”. He is survived by four of his children: Kathryn “Kim” Rizzo and husband John, Sister Ruth A. Harkins, Marie Gemmola, and Thomas C. Harkins and wife Francine. Bill has four grandchildren, John Paul, Mark and Stephen Rizzo and Jaclyn Harkins and seven, bonus great-grandchildren, Sarah, Natalie, Lucas, Erin, Alexander, Edward and Joseph.

William was a proud graduate of Salesianum School at 8th and West. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  He is a veteran of the Korean War where he served in the 67th Reconnaissance Unit.

A member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish for over 50 years, William served on the parish council and was a longtime usher at 10:00AM Mass. He volunteered for anything that had to be done, including running booths at the carnival or supervising maintenance for the building.

Professionally, his entire work career was at the Dupont Company. He began his service there at the age 16 as a soda jerk in the Hotel Dupont.  Following his return from military service, he rejoined Dupont as a mailperson. He retired in 1989 after 42 years of service,  ending his career as maintenance supervisor at Centre Road. 

Bill and his wife, Marie loved to travel. One of their favorite trips was their annual reunion with the Korean War veterans for the 67Th Reconnaissance Unit of the U.S. Air Force. They visited many Air Force facilities throughout the country including Idaho, New Orleans and NASA in Florida.

Bill and Marie also loved traveling with the “Branson Bunch”, a group of lifelong friends that were born in Wilmington and went to high school together. They went on many cruises to the Caribbean and trips to places in the U.S. including Mt. Rushmore and Branson, Missouri.

Following retirement, Bill enjoyed spending time at the beach, especially Oak Orchard and Gull Point. He treasured spending time on the water boating, fishing and cruising with family and friends. Special memories were teaching his grandchildren to fish and the rules of the river. In the end, the porch at Gull Point was Bill’s “Happy Place” and gave Bill peace. Sunrises were always special because he always got up at 6:00AM. Sunsets over the Indian River and watching the boats filled his quiet days with joy.        

The last phase of his life was spent at The Juniper Village at Newark. He met many new friends that became family. Thank you to everyone who touched his life, that made him smile and laugh. Leaving his longtime home on Dunlap Drive was heartbreaking, but The Juniper staff and especially the residents welcomed Bill and became his new family the last year of his life. Thank you to all the staff and residents at The Juniper at Newark where Bill felt loved and cared for every day.

Bill and the family are extremely grateful for the care and compassion during his last days by Accent Hospice and the caretakers from Griswold Homecare and Comfort Keepers. 

Family and friends are invited to visit at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 2503 Centerville Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 on February 19, 2025 from 10:30 – 11:30AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation. Interment will be held immediately following at All Saint Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to support the (retired) Sisters of IHM online at https://sistersofihm.org or by mail c/o the Sisters of IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509 or the American Legion online at https://www.legion.org or by mail to American Legion Post 28, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.

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