William Francis Nutter, Sr.
Born April 3, 1918
William Francis Nutter, Sr., age 96, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2014.
A native Delawarean, Mr. Nutter was born in Wilmington on April 3, 1918, and was a son of the late Walter D. Nutter and Blanche R. Lynch Nutter. He was one of the first Delaware citizens to volunteer for service in WWII and would proudly serve in the 8th Air Force of the US Army Air Force from 1940 until 1945. A Bronze Star recipient, Mr. Nutter also received a certificate of merit for outstanding service, a certificate of completion for advanced training in aeronautical electronics and was credited with inventing and designing several modifications leading to the better operation of the B17 flying fortress. His expertise in the field of electrical and aeronautical engineering was widely recognized by his peers and he and fellow members of the 8th Air Force would later receive the Presidential Unit Citation. On May 14, 1945, Mr. Nutter completed the commercial flight curriculum program at Skyparks School in New Castle and received his graduation certificate from the Civil Aeronautics Administration.
He made his career with the Chrysler Corporation where he worked as an engineer for 25 years. Mr. Nutter was also employed with General Motors for 10 years and the DuPont Company for 4 years. He was a charter member and served as the First Chief Steward with the Professional Engineers UAW Union Local 1212, a position he held for 16 years.
Mr. Nutter was a lifetime member of the VFW and an honorary member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He proudly served with the Wilmington Manor Volunteer Fire Company for 7 years and was active with the Fire Police. Additionally, he was a Master Mason member of Belcher Lodge in Chicapeg Falls, MA and a 32nd Degree Mason of Washington Lodge No. 1, in Wilmington. Mr. Nutter was an active member of the Nur Shrine Temple, past Grand Patron in the Order of the Eastern Star of Delaware and past Patron of the St. John’s Chapter #4 of the Order of the Eastern Star of Delaware. He was inducted into the Delaware Veterans Hall of Heroes Association and the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame and was recognized by the State Senate for both accomplishments.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Ruth C. Nutter, second wife, Lillian (Alice) Nutter, son, William F. Nutter, Jr., brothers, Walter C. and Bernard A. Nutter, sister, Madeline Nutter and longtime companion, Barbara Brooks. Mr. Nutter is survived by his grandson, William F. Skip Nutter III (Stephanie); granddaughter, Laura L. Rosso (Chris); nephew, Bernard A. Bernie Nutter II (Maryann); and several great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday morning, October 31, 2014, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, where a visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bellanca Airfield and Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame Museum, PO Box 267, New Castle, DE 19720-0267.
John M. DiEleuterio
Bill: You served your country admirably and proudly. This state and this grateful Nation salutes you for your years of service and patriotism. Your achievements were appropriately recognized with your award of the Bronze Star, and your induction into the Delaware Veterans Hall of Heroes, then culminating with your recent (Sept.2014) induction into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame. May you walk with God and be always at peace. Your proud legacy on this earth is indeed significant. You, Bernie and Skip are in our prayers. God Bless. John M. DiEleuterio
Director-Intergovernmental Relations
Delaware National Guard
James Peterson / Diane Peterson
Rest in peace my brother, you did very well in your short life.
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Carl Clazey and Betty Scott
Betty and I first met Bill at the V.F.W., in Elkton, Md. On Sunday evening, we would all get together, where we enjoyed dancing and good old fellowship. Bill liked to talk about his experiences during the war, which were quite interesting. He certainly lived a most interesting life to the fullest. His cars….wow!!! He probably showed the photos to St. Peter, when he entered the pearly gates. We will remember him in our prayers, as a true friend. God Bless!!
Jim Hickin
It was our honor to induct Bill into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame this year. He was truly one of Delaware’s aviation greats. The Board of Trustees expresses its deepest condolences to Bill’s family and friends on his passing.
Jim Hickin
President, Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame
June Kempski
I knew him as Mr. Nutter.He came into Bob Evans.All the servers knew him well. He will be missed, and remembered.I wish you the best.
Colby and Alice Andrus
Tipping our wings.