William L. Hartzell, retired engineer
William L. "Bill" Hartzell, 79, of Bridgeville, passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at his residence. He was born June 23, 1934, in Cambridge, Md., son of the late George L. and Sarah J. (Collins) Hartzell.
Mr. Hartzell was a 1952 graduate of Bridgeville High School and continued his education attending Indiana Technical College in Fort Wayne, Ind. He would soon be called to honorably serve his country as an MP during the Korean Conflict. After completing his service to his country, Mr. Hartzell embarked on a 39-year career with DuPont. He was an engineer at the Seaford Nylon Plant, where he retired in 1991.
Mr. Hartzell loved travelling and had visited all 50 states and every Civil War battlefield in each state. He loved history, woodworking and tinkering around the house with his tools. Mr. Hartzell enjoyed dining out at restaurants, with his favorite being Macaroni Grill. His favorite quote would be "So many restaurants, so little time." He was an avid reader who enjoyed swinging from his tree swing and people watching from a far.
Mr. Hartzell was very community-minded and actively involved with his church, Union United Methodist. He was past chairman of the administrative board and SPRC Committee. He was an active member of the Lions Club, past school board member; past town board member and past police commissioner on the town board. Mr. Hartzell's proudest achievement was his family and the love they shared together. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Hartzell was preceded in death by his sister, Myra Redmon. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Connie; one son: Michael Hartzell and wife Terri of Bridgeville; one daughter: Cindy Woods and husband Grayson of Bridgeville; three grandsons: Shane Hartzell and wife Tamara of Dover, Matthew Hare and wife Megan of Bridgeville, and Cody Hartzell and wife Krystal of Bridgeville; two granddaughters: Wendi Preston and husband Chris of Bridgeville and Cassie Hein and husband Charles of Jacksonville, Fla.; eight great-grandchildren: Zachary, Peyton, Brayden, Madison, Mackenzie, Caden, Lilly and Jake; one brother: Albert Hartzell and wife Gladys of Bridgeville; and two brothers-in-law: Kyle Ewing and wife Barbara of Haines City, Fla. and Dudley Ewing and wife Pat of Bridgeville.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Jan. 30, at Union United Methodist Church, 2 N. Laws Street, Bridgeville, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will immediately follow services.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Union United Methodist Church or the Lions Club 8875, 2 N. William St., Bridgeville, DE.
