William Theodore Reusch, 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Millcroft Living in Newark, Delaware. He was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Faye M. Reusch, in September 2022.
He was born on November 26, 1930, in Delaware to William T. Reusch and Mabel M. (Lofland) Reusch. After attending Newark High School Bill served in the Army. Upon his return home, he pursued his interest in repairing cars by becoming an auto mechanic in the Transportation Section of the Delaware State Police retiring after 36 years in 1996 as Fleet Manager.
In 1952 he married Faye and together they started their journey that would last seven decades. Bill was a quiet man who was most content in the company of his family. He was a man of few words, but those who knew him appreciated his sharp wit and sense of humor. He was a Phillies fan who especially enjoyed going to ballgames with his son Bud first at Connie Mack Stadium, then Veterans Stadium and later Citizens Bank Park.
Bill’s family and friends also benefitted from his auto repair skills. Whenever their cars were not running properly, he was happy to pop open the hood and investigate the problem. His expertise ran the gamut from fixing a minor problem to rebuilding his daughter Debbie’s first car.
As Bill and Faye were raising their family, they were active members of Salem United Methodist Church where he participated as a lay reader and usher. In later years, they both enjoyed making new friends at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.
In addition to his wife and parents, Bill was predeceased by his son, William T. Reusch (“Bud”), daughter-in-law, Susan A. Reusch, his brother, Willard A. Reusch and sister, Elizabeth (“Betty”) R. Jackson.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Deborah M. Reusch, along with his granddaughters, Heather Reusch (Tony) and Kimberly Matyger (Allan), great-grandchildren, Olivia Martinez (Jose), William Reusch, Jackson Matyger and Mollie Matyger, great-great-grandchildren, Andrew Martinez, Daniel Martinez, Milo Martinez and Mila Martinez, as well as nieces and nephews.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Millcroft Living for the compassion and care they provided Bill while he was a resident. They are also grateful for the support they received from Compassionate Care Hospice. Services will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, December 8, 2023, at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808, with visitation from 10:30-11:30 am. Interment will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 1700 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19804 or the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, c/o Christiana Care, P.O. Box 1668, Wilmington, DE 19899.
