Celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that’s as independent as they were – in the Daily State News and BayTobayNews.com. Share fond memories, photos and information on celebrations of life using our easy, step-by-step process.
William E. “Bill” Willoughby, of Milford, passed away on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Dover, DE.
He was born April 18, 1930 in Bridgeville, DE; the son of the late Frank and Florence Willoughby.
Bill married Elizabeth ‘’Betty’’ Willoughby on December 1, 1956.
He served 2 years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He also was a member of the Delaware Army National Guard in Bethany Beach.
Bill was employed by E.I. DuPont in Seaford as a pipe fitter.
He retired in 1985 after 36 years of faithful service.
Bill enjoyed gardening, antiquing with Betty, attending auctions and antique tractor shows. He also enjoyed crabbing, fishing and watching baseball.
He especially enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and family holiday dinners. Bill was a member of VFW Post 7478 in Greenwood, the Harrington Moose Lodge and the 1st State Antique Tractor Association.
He is survived by his daughter, Debra DeRocili and her husband Val of Wyoming, two granddaughters: Andrea Brown and her husband Bobby and Lauren Wetherall and her husband Gerritt; and a great grandson Luke Brown. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty’’ of 68 years, three sisters: Evelyn McDowell, Anna McDowell and Virmadel McAllister, three brothers: Ormond Willoughby, Thomas Willoughby and Harold Willoughby and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at Framptom Funeral Home-Fleischauer Chapel in Greenwood, DE on Monday, October 27, 2025. Visitation began at 11am and service at 12pm. Burial followed in St. Johnstown Cemetery, also in Greenwood.
A special thanks to Susie at Brookdale Assisted Living in Dover and Delaware Hospice; especially Janet and Amber for their continued compassionate care over the past several months.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Delaware Hospice by visiting https://delawarehospice.org/donate or by mail at 555 E. Loockerman St., Suite 200, Dover, DE.
