William Stewart “Bill” Lyons
August 31, 1955 - November 6, 2024
William Stewart “Bill” Lyons, age 69, of Newark, DE, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, due to complications from a long battle with dementia.
Born in Hackensack, NJ on August 31, 1955, he was a son of the late William Stewart and Ruth Helen (Kuhlmann) Lyons. Bill spent over 40 years living in New Jersey before moving to Delaware where he met his wife, Linda. He worked many jobs, including a brake specialist at Sears, tow truck driver, and guard for the New York Giants football team’s locker room. Bill spent 35+ years with PSEG many as a licensed Nuclear Reactor Operator, pushing buttons in the control room and later as a procedure writer.
Bill was a person who was the “average Joe” type person. He never owned flashy cars or houses. Bill was the type of guy who could work with his hands. While everyone else would be reading directions over and over and still not be able to assemble things, he could take the object and fumble with it for a few minutes and have it working. In high school, Bill kept his convertible going and continued keeping everyone’s cars running, cars were his passion. He was in the Boy Scouts of America and reached Eagle rank. He served many years as an adult leader in Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA. Bill was also an accomplished Scouting Trainer teaching leadership skills to Adult Scouters.
Another passion was motorcycles, Bill loved to ride and loved Harley Davidson’s. He was a courteous rider and would get upset when he saw a rider disregarding peoples safety. Bill was on a security team for the Harley Davidson Rendezvous in New York for years. Bill’s third passion was gun collecting and he was especially knowledgeable about guns, big or small. He especially enjoyed anything related to World War II. Although he had many guns, Bill never hunted or shot anything except targets.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his 15 aunts and uncles. He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Linda M. (Singer) Lyons and his brother, David (Donna) Lyons, who were at his side through his long battle; his four sons, Peter (Chris), Bill (Melissa), Shaun (Kelly), Patrick (Lottie); daughter, Bernadette; grandchildren, Jack, Jimmy, Heather, Lyla, Alexis, Lucas, Emily, Shaun Jr., Lily, Ella; two great-grandchildren, Oliver & Isabella, stepdaughter, Anna Summers; stepson, Charles Summers III (Colleen); step-grandchildren, Lilianna Nadeau, Julia Swavely and Kyan Summers; many cousins (Bill was 23rd of 27 grandchildren on the Lyons’ side) and nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12:30 pm on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Church, 2265 Red Lion Road, Bear, DE, where a funeral service will begin immediately after the visitation. Cremation will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here; or to the NRA Foundation, Attn: Finance, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 or online by clicking here; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Jennifer Wright
So sorry to hear about his passing. He was Papa Bear to me. Was always a good sport about me tagging along with the family. Rest in peace, Papa Bear. Much love to the grieving family.
Dave Ashley
Mr. Lyons was a kind and generous person, particularly when it came to giving his time to someone in need.
I’ll never forget the support he gave me during my high school years. My old car always needed something. Every time, he was right there. He stepped up when no one else would, and never asked for anything in return.
Years later, I have memories smoking a cigar with him at my wedding, and birthday parties when I became a parent. Rest assured, my kiddo has heard several stories about his kindness to me.
Godspeed, Mr. Lyons. May the skies be clear and the road remain empty as you ride the ol’ Harley into the distance!
Lillian schick
I have very fond memories of Billy. Although we were not really close we were a warm and loving family. Billy was always happy go lucky and had a great smile. He was fun to be around. Rest in peace dear cousin. 💕
suzanne mullany
I’m so sorry for your loss. As an alumnus of Westwood High School, I send my Deepest Sympathies to his family. May he rest in Peace in Heaven till we are all there someday. SO SORRY.
William Van Clief (cousin)
You will be missed my cousin,I have so many childhood memories of us spending time together in Washington Township,my prayers are with your family, see you later in Heaven …
Linda Keller
I am very sorry for your loss, I was 3 years behind Billy in High School. He had a warm heart and always kind to me!
Rosemary Lavin
Sending my condolences to the family. May he rest in peace. We went to High School together. He was quiet but very nice.
Gary Jones
Beautiful tribute to Bill, though a classmate in High School I did not know him well. The biography along with the video tribute paints a picture of a kind, giving, talented man. God rest Bill
Christopher J Nadeau
My deepest condolences to Linda and family. He will be greatly missed.