William H. “Bill” Walters
July 29, 1950 - January 1, 2022
William H. “Bill” Walters, age 71, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, January 1, 2022.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, on July 29, 1950, he was a son of the late Robert W. and Frances (Denning) Walters. Basketball was Billy’s first love. He first learned the game playing with his brothers at the family home in Mt. Airy. As a young man, he never missed a Stone Harbor summer league game. Bill attended LaSalle College High School and earned All Catholic honors playing on the men’s basketball team. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and J.D. from Villanova Law School. Bill was inducted into the Big Five Hall of Fame as a member of Penn’s basketball team from 1968 to 1972, during which time the Quakers were dominant, going 99-6 and setting numerous records. He took great pleasure in regaling his loved ones with stories of the legendary team taking the floor at the Palestra to the chants of “Let’s go Quakers.” Billy made lifelong friends at LaSalle, Penn, and Villanova and he took great pride in his friendships.
Bill’s six grandchildren were his pride and joy. Poppy, as they called him, loved to hear of their accomplishments, and he intently followed their various interests, hobbies, and successes. In his grandchildren, as he did with his own children, he instilled a love of reading at a very early age. He always arrived for a visit with gifts of literature, and he led by example: Bill was a voracious reader. He could very often be found next to the fire or on the beach, book in hand. Poppy eagerly awaited the birth of his seventh grandchild, who is due this month and will bear his name.
Bill was never far from the water. He held fond memories of the summers of his youth in Wildwood and Avalon, New Jersey. He loved to surf. For much of his adulthood, Bill spent summers in Bethany Beach, Delaware, where he enjoyed his time on the beach, and on the golf course with his children. Bill settled along the banks of the Delaware River in Old New Castle, and spent the majority of his life there, where he served on the Planning Commission and the Historic Area Commission.
Some say dogs are a man’s best friend, which would certainly be true for Bill. His dogs, Belle and Scout, were his most loving and loyal companions who always made sure he saw the beautiful sunrises and sunsets on the Eastern Shore and the Delaware Bay on their walks together, and for that, we are thankful.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Brenda (Smith) Walters; siblings, Robert Walters (Joan), Christopher Walters (Linda), and Susan Cinalli (Bob); five children, Will Walters (Liz), Casey Chipman (Zachary), Erin Smolenski (Michael), Brendan Walters (Asya), and Phillip Walters; six grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at New Castle Presbyterian Church, 25 East 2nd Street, New Castle, DE. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance, regardless of vaccination status. Interment will be held privately.
For those wishing to attend virtually, a livestream link is available via www.newcastlepreschurch.org
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to a charity close to your heart.
Mike Girello
Brenda, Brendan, Phillip, and the rest of Bill’s family: I’m sorry for your loss. You have my deepest condolences. May perpetual light shine upon Bill.
Wendy & John Connors
Brenda & Children, We are so sad and sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. We have many good memories of our times with Billy. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this sad time. Wendy & John
Ron Billingslea
Remembering Wally with great affection and appreciation as a friend and teammate.
Jamie & Carrie
Hello Bill’s Family and Friends,
We will miss him dearly. Bill was fun to be around and liked talking to all the children. They were very interested in what he had to say to them. May he rest in peace and his love shine down.
David McBride
What a wonderful obituary. I did not know Bill, but I wish I had known him. He sounds like a wonderful person. I know someone who may have played with Bill on the Penn basketball team. His name is Decker Uhlhorn. I know Bill’s family must be so grieved to lose him. Thinking of you
Susie & Larry Gressick
Brenda and family,
So sorry for your loss. Many family-gathering memories come to mind and will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susie & Larry
Paulette Redick
Brenda, Bill must have been amazing to keep someone kind and fun loving like you in his life for 36 years! I will keep you and your family in my heart.
Adana D. Mason
Brenda & Family,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Edward P Spiegel MD
Condolences to all of Billy’s family and loved ones from former teammate at Penn. He will be missed by all who got to meet and know a great guy
John Kerr & Wendy Smith-Kerr
Godspeed Bill as you look down from above the clouds and see your five children enjoy life as much as you did. Thoughts and prayers to Brenda and Family.
Phyllis Sweetman
Arthur (Skip) & Phyllis Sweetman, we didn’t know about Bill’s passing until the day of his service -we read it in the News Journal that day. We would like to express our sympathy to his family. We will miss him. Especially @ the Produce Stand. Love, Skip & Phyllis