William Richard Deist, service technician
William Richard Deist, 77, of Lewes, passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Seasons Hospice Center & Palliative Care of Delaware in Newark. He was born Dec. 17, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late William and Marie (Pickett) Deist.
Bill graduated from Upper Darby High School, class of 1958, and joined the U.S. Navy in November 1958. He retired from the U.S. Naval Reserves as a chief petty officer. The Naval Enlisted Reserve Association awarded him with their prestigious Outstanding Naval Air Reservist Award, honoring him as the nation's top enlisted Naval Reservist in 1972.
Bill was employed by Vertol/Boeing Philadelphia from 1962-72 as a flight test mechanic on helicopters. He accepted a position with Xerox Corporation in Wilmington, where he worked from 1972 until his retirement in 2001. He was a service technician and trainer throughout his years with Xerox. Bill won several President's Club Awards as well in recognition of his quality of work.
Bill was a member of the Train Collectors Association and he had a large collection of Lionel Trains that he proudly displayed at his home. He enjoyed entertaining his family and friends with trips out on his beloved pontoon boat on Rehoboth Bay, Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and Roosevelt Inlet. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Georgiann Jones Deist; his sons, David William Deist (Anna) and Lawrence Richard Deist (Kathleen Sheehy); his close friend who was like a son to him, Timothy Kelly (Vickie); his grandchildren: James (Elyse), Jessica, Alli, Paul, Amy, Patrick, Catherine, Daniel and William. Mr. Deist also leaves many friends and extended family members with fond memories throughout his life.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 14, at 11 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill's name to Conley’s United Methodist Church, 33106 Jolyns Way, Lewes, DE 19958, or to the KWVA Wounded Warrior Fund, Post Office Box 51, Lewes, DE 19958.
Please visit Bill's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
