William D. Smith, DPL retiree

William D. Smith, 86, of Newark, passed away Sept. 26, 2011.

He was born Sept. 6, 1925, in Cape Charles, Va. His family moved to Wilmington in 1927. After graduating from Henry C. Conrad High School in 1943, Mr. Smith trained as a pharmacist's mate. He was stationed at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Base in Texas for three years. On completing his service, Mr. Smith attended the University of Delaware for two years and graduated from Beacom College with a degree in accounting. He retired from Delmarva Power & Light after 34 years of service and was a charter member of the Serenaders Band where he played the trumpet for 25 years.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly F. Smith; his children, Debra Dewald of Laurel, Md., William D. Smith Jr. and wife Elizabeth of Arnold, Md., Linda Duckworth and husband Michael of Lewes, and Jody Ann Rossi and husband Gary of Port Charlotte, Fla.; 10 grandchildren, Paul Dewald, Lisa Stoll, Melissa Esham, Sara Smith, Heather Smith, Joshua Smith, Annie Duckworth, John Duckworth, Travis Hicks and William Rossi; eight great-grandchildren; and his sister, Patti Jean Moler of Naples, Fla.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 1700 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mark's Church at the address above.