William 'Bill' Donlin
William "Bill" Donlin, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2023 at home after struggling with many medical conditions over for years. He was born in Norfolk, VA on June 18, 1947, the son of the late Maude (Griffee) Donlin.
He moved to Bristol Boro, PA at the age of 3 with his mother. He graduated from Bristol Jr./Sr. High School and was a member of the first graduating class at Bucks County Community College. Bill started with the railroad in 1970, working for Conrail, Penn Central and retiring from New Jersey Transit (rail system). Bill was a mason at Lodge # 25, Bristol Boro, PA. He also founded and served as president of the Lower Bucks Shuffleboard League for 15 years.
He was a member of several fire companies in Bristol Boro and a lifelong member and past Lt. of the fire police of Langhorne - Middletown Fire Company, and a lifelong member of Bucks County Rescue Squad. He also started the Bristol Boro Auxiliary Police. After moving to Delaware, Bill joined the Frederica Volunteer Fire Company.
Antique fire trucks were Bill's passion. He owned several of them, his baby was his 1961 B model Mack open cab from Fairless Hills Fire Company. He also owned at one time a 1966 Dodge from Edgely Fire Company and a 1950 open cab Mack from Bristol Boro. He was one of the co-founders of The Gibson Road Antique Fire Association, and helped form the DelMar Antique Fire Apparatus Association of Delaware where he held the position of Treasurer until his passing. He also belonged to The Cradle of Liberty Antique Fire Association.
In addition to his mother; he was preceded in death by a step-daughter, Lynn Blair in 2023.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Sharon Donlin; daughter, Heather Gregor; and a granddaughter, Alyssa; stepchildren, Dara Donophan (Walt) and Tim McElwain.
A visitation will be held from 12 to 1 pm on Friday, May 5, 2023 at the Reformation Lutheran Church, 613 Lakeview Avenue, Milford with services being held at 1 pm. Burial will be in Bristol Cemetery, Croyden, PA on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Frederica Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 283, Frederica, DE 19946.
Arr. by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford, DE.
Letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com.