William Franklin Nielsen, III
May 14, 1982 - January 3, 2025
William Franklin Nielsen, III, age 42, of New Castle, Delaware passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025. William was born on May 14, 1982 to Michele Thomas and William Franklin Nielsen, Jr. in Salem, New Jersey.
William attended West Carroll High School in Atwood, Tennessee where he was the elected president of his senior class and he graduated as the valedictorian. When it came time for him to go to college, William chose to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in education. A lifelong learner at heart, William would continue to seek educational opportunities throughout his life, and he subsequently earned an additional master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Delaware.
It was at the University of Tennessee where William met his future husband, Chad. They eventually settled in New Castle, Delaware where they spent the ensuing years building a beautiful life together which included their beloved dogs Rocky, Castor, Bully, Sunny, Hamilton, and Halsey.
After settling in New Castle, William began his teaching career. His passion for teaching was evident from the beginning, and his devotion to the profession and his students grew with every new school year. Throughout his nearly 15 years as an educator, he created a learning environment that was dynamic, fun, and impactful. Students would often tell him how safe he made them feel in his classroom. He inspired countless lives through his teaching, and his legacy will live on through the hearts and minds he touched.
William had many hobbies and interests, including a deep love for movies. Among his many favorites were Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and anything Marvel. He also loved classic sitcoms, and he could quote lines from any episode of The Golden Girls and Frasier verbatim. He was also a gamer, and he spent countless hours playing games like Starcraft and World of Warcraft with his brothers and friends. William was also active in his community, and he was a proud member of the New Castle Presbyterian Church.
To know William was to know his empathy, generosity, and kindness. He always greeted you with a smile–and what a smile it was! His smile could light up even the darkest of rooms. He gave the best hugs that made you never want to let go. His compassion was limitless, and he would be the first to lend a helping hand or offer a shoulder to cry on when it was needed. He was devoted to his family, especially his husband Chad. William was deeply loved by all who knew him. He was magical.
William was preceded in death by his father, William Franklin Nielsen, Jr. His maternal grandmother and paternal grandparents. He is survived by his husband Chad, his mother Michele, his brothers Jordan, Eric (Brandy), and Patrick (Cheyanne), his brother from another mother, Nick (Michaela), his nieces Kylie, Kennedy, Kimberly, and Charlotte, his nephew, Bastian, and a loving extended family.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:30 pm until 6 pm on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at New Castle Presbyterian Church in Old New Castle, 25 East Second Street, New Castle, DE 19720, where a funeral service will begin at 6 pm. A reception will follow in the Church’s fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to The Trevor Project, an organization that was close to William’s heart, Attn: Development, P.O. Box 69232, West Hollywood, CA 90069 or online by clicking here.
Amy Carlson
My connection to Will is as a Social Studies educator in the Christina School District. I always looked forward to working with Will at our monthly meetings. His passion for teaching, and wanting decisions to be in the best interests of children was clear. He was an excellent leader. My sincerest sympathies for his family and loved ones.
Stacy Greenetz
He made such impact on the lives of those he touched. I am honored to have known him and call him my friend. My deepest condolences to his entire family, whom he loved and cherished so much. Xo
Leslie Footman
My sincere condolences to the family. May God offer you peace and comfort during this difficult time. 🙏🏽
Randy Roberts
Chad, so very sorry for your loss. Sending condolences.
Kim Allen
Dearest Chad, Michele & Family. I was so shocked to hear the news of Williams passing. He was a great neighbor and always had a nice smile and a sweet hello whenever we were outside. I am so sorry that I won’t be there for his service, please know that all of you are in my thoughts & prayers. He will be missed. Rest in Paradise William.
Wendy Johnson
I met Will when he became a teacher at Glasgow and I was so happy when we reconnected as Area Directors for CEA. He was such a good person down to his very core. He will be greatly missed.
Bennet Bray
We play WOW for many many years my friend you will be missed I’ll miss our phone calls just to catch up though they seem now never enough as you always told me stop standing in bad or I’m not going to heal you lol but you always did didn’t ya. Miss ya buddy
Elizabeth Van Aulen
Oh Will – my heart is so broken, friend. So glad for the opportunity to have worked with you and become friends. I will miss our Potter talks, gripes about work, and laughs about all of the crazy stuff happening all around us. I love you, friend. Rest peacefully ❤️
Chad and family – my thoughts are with you all at this time. His loss is a huge void, and I pray for the strength and comfort for you to navigate this new world without him.
~Elizabeth