William “Bill / Beetle” Raymond Reidinger
April 17, 1956 - August 7, 2024
William “Bill / Beetle” Raymond Reidinger, age 68, of Newark, DE, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer.
Bill was born on April 17, 1956 in Wilmington, DE to the late Ray and Sally Reidinger. He graduated from Newark High School in 1974 and went on to graduate from the University of Delaware in 1980. Bill worked as a computer programmer until very happily retiring in 2018.
Bill loved his family and friends and considered himself the luckiest man on earth. He met and married his soulmate in 1985 and had three wonderful children, who were the center of his universe and who he was so proud of in every way. Bill was not only an incredible father to his own children, but a role model to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
He was a man of unlimited hobbies and talents. Bill was an idea man and inventor, and a self-taught handy man, learning as he renovated each room of their home over the last three decades. He was happiest using his time and skills to help family and friends with their projects, even through retirement.
A lifelong elite athlete, Bill competed as a Division 1 collegiate swimmer, ran multiple marathons, journeyed across many states by bike, and completed miles of open water swims across the world. He was a fierce but humble competitor, with a relentless inner strength. What he valued most about these pursuits was the time spent building lasting relationships with his teammates and training partners.
Bill loved life, whether he was planting seeds in his garden, walking his dog Sparky, camping, eating hot dogs on the beach, cheering on local sports teams, or spending time with family and friends. He was content to discover the beauty in small moments and create joy wherever he found himself. Those who knew him were blessed to be able to witness his gentle spirit and kind heart.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Sally Reidinger. He is survived by his wife and best friend of over 38 years, Kathy Reidinger; children, Dan Reidinger (Sarah) of Elkton, MD, Charlie Reidinger (Emily) of Conowingo, MD, and Annie Reidinger (Brok) currently stationed in Kailua, HI; sisters, Madeline Johnson (Greg) of Landenberg, PA and Carolyn Shields (Dan) of Wilmington, DE; along with many loving in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless forever friends from all parts of his life.
A public visitation will be held from 3 pm to 5 pm on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a Celebration of Life will begin at 5 pm. An open reception will follow on the second floor of the Deer Park Tavern, 108 W. Main Street, Newark, DE at 6 pm, where family and friends are invited to share their stories and memories of Bill.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by clicking here , the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center in Baltimore, MD by clicking here, or the charity of your choice.
Joann Ridings Boyle
Kathy, my heart goes out to you! I remember Bill from your wedding. Sounds like you had a wonderful life. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts.
Love, Joann
Jack Reed
Heart broken I am. Billy’s picture wholly captures the essence of his spirit, character and love of life. We had so many good times as kids, but we never got enough time together. That’s what life did in the 50s and 60s before the Eisenhower Highway system and when our parents were so busy carving out lives for us all after WWII. As much a I knew him, I had no idea of the fullness of his life, from college right on through his hobbies and athletic career. I was a coach of distance runners in high school, but at moments like this, I absolutely hate the physical distance that kept the Reed boys from the Reidinger kids. The sense of loss is heavy, but the fight Billy waged gives us all hope about the strength of the human spirit to persevere in the face of the highest odds. I was looking forward to seeing you all with my brothers Hugh and Dave, but my youngest son is visiting beginning Wednesday with his two boys. We only see them about ten days a year so I really need to spend time with him and his little guys. I’m so sorry I can’t be there with you all to remember and celebrate the life of one of the best of his generation–Billy, Beetle Reidinger, a really great guy. Jack ‘Jackie’ Reed–Skaneateles, NY
David Brewster
I met Bill about 40 years ago when he first met Kathy. My wife Rebekah met Kathy at work and our friendship evolved to include the entire family. My biggest memory of Bill is his never ending smile, Bill was always in a good mood and anyone who met him was uplifted by his bright cheery soul. We moved to Virginia in1989 but remained in touch with Bill and his beautiful family. We last saw Bill and Cathy when Annie was stationed here a couple years ago. I’m so happy we got to see Bill again, spreading good cheer as always. I miss you Bill!
Dan krippahne
Beetle was the best. You couldn’t find a nicer guy. Knew him from swimming in Newark summer swim league and university of Delaware. He used to run a football stadium hot dog stand at the games and I gladly “worked” for him. Mostly it was just having fun with everyone in the stand. I inherited the stand from him in my junior year and tried to have as much fun with my friends as he did with us. He set a great example. My other story is man did the swim team have great parties. The older guys had them at their apartments. When I was a freshman, probably my first party, I saw him “race chugging” a beer against another swimmer by the keg. He was the reigning champ. I went up to him and asked to compete with him. We did and I won. Just like Beetle, he was thrilled that a underclass man had that skill. So it became a thing at everyone of the swim parties that we competed. He’d see me and say “ let’s go!”. It was just alway happy to have fun. He always was the nicest guy and would unleash that “Beetle smile” constantly. Everyone loved Beetle, how could you not! He will be missed.
Tom Mariano
I was saddened to receive the link to Bills obituary from a former colleague and coworker.
I fondly recall when Bill and Kathy became a work couple.
We were all around the same age and at the same point in our lives.
Bill was my cubicle next door neighbor for a number of years @ 600 Park Avenue in KOP. What a fantastic neighbor!
Back in the day we would come into work and talk sports, music, and whatever TV show happened to be the rage such as Moonlighting and others.
We lost touch over the years as our children grew and our lives became a tad more complex.
I’ll remember Bill with a smile on my face.
RIP old friend.
Rebekah Brewster
Kathy,
I have loved you and Bill for an eternity. I cannot even begin to tell you what I feel. You are a sister, one of my first real friends and Bill came into the pack I’m sure overwhelmed when he did! But he survived us!
I love you and will be here for you forever.
Rebekah
Scott Wyman
I worked with Bill for several years at BNY up until his retirement in 2018. He always had a cool and calm demeanor and was a pleasure to work with. I learned a lot from him.
My condolences to the family, so sorry for your loss.
Eileen Ordway
I worked with Bill, and then Kathy, in King of Prussia, PA in the early 80’s. When I moved into the IT department, Bill was the first to welcome me and he was always willing to answer my questions to help me get up to speed. Bill was hard-working, kind and so much fun. He had a great laugh. A group of us started going out after work. We really enjoyed the Dear Park and, once, a weekend at Dewey Beach. We had an awesome time at Bill and Kathy’s wedding. To this day, when a few of us occasionally get together, we always mention Bill and our regret that we lost touch when he got a new job. Kathy, Eric and I are so sorry for your loss. Bill was way too young.
Audrey J Burt
To Kathy and Family,
I grew up across the street from Beetle and his sisters. He was a great guy and I always enjoyed his company, either at the infamous Nottingham pool or at the horrid accounting class at UD we both took during a summer. RIP Beetle. Looks life you lived a life with many loved ones who will miss you.
Audrey Murphy Burt
Him Welsh
I was very fortunate to have met BILL through my good friend Vince. We would see each other occasionally at weddings and holiday events and spending time with BILL was always one of the highlights of the evening. Sending condolences to his family keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Chelle Prettyman
To the Reidinger family, with Beetle’s passing, we have lost a great guy! His smile, kindness and fun will be missed and remebered by many in Newark and afar. Beetle had a long lasting impact on our family. From pool decks in the summer to ‘Nomads’ and UD, Beetle was a great swimmer and mentor to many younger swimmers. He served as a kind and wise role model in the halls of NHS, on UD campus and running the streets of Newark. Beetle always had time for others of all ages and knew how to have fun without crossing the line. We all were filled with joy when out paths crossed and heard about his adult life and beloved family. May his full life and loving spirit give you some peace and comforting memories. From the FFC Prettyman family with sorrow.
Steve Rosemary
My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Bill/Beetle and me spent many years of summer days together at the Nottingham; AM transistor radio blaring, playing hearts, 2-step tag, 2 a day workouts, swimming all day. The best days. Beetle always had a smile,laughing, joking; just a great friend. For all of us who were privileged enough to be called his friend, and all days of laughter we spent together, Beetle was part of our childhood DNA. I will always cherish our friendship and hold close my memories of our days growing up together.
Mark Witterholt
Kathy & Family, Beetle was a great friend and teammate, he welcomed the young freshman onto the team. I have nothing but fond memories of time with him and I appreciated him. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Mark
Diane Kukich
Kathy, I am so sorry to learn of Bill’s death. I will always remember seeing him at the Western Y pool and seeing his little red truck in the parking lot there. He was a gifted athlete and always had a smile for everyone. I will think of him every time I swim…. I also have fond memories of seeing him walking the dog in the neighborhood. I am so sorry for your loss.