William F. McDonald

William F. McDonald, 43, died March 13 at his home in Newark, Delaware. Bill was a bi-centennial baby, born in 1976 in Pittsburgh, Pa. He grew-up in Bear, Delaware and graduated from Glasgow High School in 1994. “Electric Bill” was currently employed as the head electrician by Steve Moon, proprietor of Moon Services in Elkton, MD. He was the much-loved son of Bill and Gretchen (Hyde) McDonald, formerly of Bear, currently of Philadelphia PA.

If you ever met Bill, you probably know these things about him: he loved his family – both immediate and extended. His nephews Raylan and Deacon Furr were the great joys of his life and he lavished them with attention and deep affection. When Bill’s sister Melanie McDonald returned to live in Bear, she found her treasured brother also became a source of constant support and companionship as she raised her young boys. Bill never missed a family event on either the McDonald or Hyde side of his family. He was the oldest grandchild in both families and throughout his life maintained close and fun-loving relationships with his many cousins. He had an easy, joyful laugh that was shared with many.

He loved books; asking Bill what he was reading was an easy conversation starter. He always had at least one or two books going and a long list of books that would follow. A gift from Bill was usually a book, usually something that he had already read, always something that he loved. He was a student of the world.

He had a beautiful heart – Bill was kind, caring, generous and humble. He cared about the world and how the world treated its people. His passion was glass that he would turn into beautiful art. His extended family has many of his pieces to cherish forever and hundreds of people have an art piece created by Bill in their homes.

Bill is survived by his parents Bill and Gretchen McDonald of Philadelphia, his sister, Melanie  McDonald of Bear Delaware, his nephews Raylan and Deacon Furr, his grandmother, Betty (McDonald) Budrow of Elkton, MD, his girlfriend Crystal Strong and her children, his aunts and uncles Jeffrey and Sammy, Becky and Joe, Robb and Michelle, Joanne and Dave, Ted and his adored cousins, Jarrett and Kate, Brenna and Mike, Bennett and Kristen, Cameron and Katie, Griffin, Elizabeth and Kate.

A celebration of Bill’s life, to be shared with family and friends, will be scheduled at a later date.

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