DOVER - After fighting cancer with bravery and humor, William Francis "Bill" Maroon, beloved husband of 47 years to Hana Jane (Suzuki) Maroon, passed away on September 23rd at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born in Rutland, VT on November 4, 1940, son of the late Wallace and Mildred Maroon. He spent his early years in Portland, ME moving to East Hartford, CT as he entered his teens. Bill graduated from East Hartford High School in 1959 where he was a member of the National Honor Society and Senior Class President. He attended Hobart College in Geneva, NY and was the first Russian Studies Major to graduate from there. He also lettered in football and lacrosse. After college, Bill entered the U.S. Air Force where he served 20 years as a C-130 navigator flying over 200 missions during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Thailand, Japan, England, California, Texas and South Korea where he made many lifelong friends. He retired from the Air Force in 1984 as an Intelligence Officer with the rank of Major. His awards include 13 Air Medals, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, and two Air Force Commendation Medals. He was an active member of the VFW and the American Legion. Bill began his second career as a history teacher at Caesar Rodney High School in Dover, DE. He taught there for 13 years and received the Teacher of the Year Award in 1999. While at CRHS, He was instrumental in forming the lacrosse program and was inducted into the Delaware Lacrosse Hall of Fame for his efforts. His sons Billy and Kenny played on the 1996 DE State Championship Team making him so proud. Bill was strong in his faith and a dedicated member of the Whatcoat United Methodist Church in Dover, DE. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he worked on the Financial Committee, at the annual Spaghetti Dinner and Men's Club breakfasts. Bill was a volunteer tour guide at the AMC Museum in Dover for 10 years where many visitors commented on his vast knowledge of airplanes and military history. He was also a 10 year volunteer at the Dover USO where he enjoyed serving refreshments and sharing stories with the service members passing through. Bill's love of reading and history allowed him to be a great storyteller. He was truly a lifelong learner. He had a full and rewarding life filled with family and friends who appreciated his quick wit, brave spirit and giving heart. A day never passed without him making someone smile or laugh! Bill loved spending time with his family and friends wherever he was (preferably Maine). Love, laughter and dominoes followed him everywhere! Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Hana Jane; sons, William R. Maroon of Austin, TX, Kenneth J. Maroon and his wife Aisha of Colorado Springs, CO; and his beloved grandchildren, Sophia and Cole Maroon. He also leaves behind his siblings, Wallace Maroon of FL, Florence Brisson of CT, Carol King of CA, Helen Clagg of MA, Zelda Halloran of TX, Donna Chamberlain and Ruth Maroon of CT; brother and sister-in-laws, Nina Fisher of NC, Mac Suzuki of CA, Kay Nichols of FL, Arthur and Pat Suzuki of MO and many nieces and nephews who so loved "Uncle Bill". Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Ann Grondin of ME and Wallene Rague OH; and his brother-in-law Jim Fisher of NC. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the excellent care Bill received at Bay Health Hospital and Delaware Hospice as well as the many acts of kindness from family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 10 am Wednesday, September 28th at the Whatcoat United Methodist Church, 16 N. Main Street, Camden, DE with a one hour visitation prior. Committal will be at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro, DE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's memory to the Whatcoat United Methodist Church, Delaware Hospice, or the Air Mobility Command Museum. Letters of condolence may be shared at www.pippinfuneralhome.com