William Patrick McNamara

William P. McNamara of Derwood, MD, passed away suddenly in Florida on March 17, 2026. He was 79. He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Mary (née Doney), their son Chad (Kelly) and daughter Kelli Ann. He was "Pop" to his granddaughters Madison and Brooke. He is also survived by his brothers Robert (Karen), Patrick (Kristin), Joseph (Joan), and John (Anne). He is predeceased by his parents, James and Rosemary McNamara (née Weyant) and brothers James (Sharon), Thomas (Betty Ann), Gerald (survived by his wife Mary Fran), Michael (survived by his former wife Diane), and his sister Rosemary McDonough (John). He will be dearly missed by dozens of nieces and nephews, by his Tinari, McNamara and O'Neill cousins, and by many close friends and neighbors.

Bill grew up in Glenside, PA, as the third of James and Rosemary McNamara's children. The McNamaras eventually grew into a family of ten, with the nine boys being followed (finally) by their beloved sister Rose. That news was picked up by local and later national newspapers, resulting in an appearance on the popular television game show "I've Got a Secret" in 1959.

He had a successful academic career at St. Luke's School and Bishop McDevitt High School and made many lifelong friends. He was renowned for his home run-hitting prowess in the game of "smearball", a form of baseball he invented along with his brother Bob. Bill had a lifelong love of Philadelphia sports, especially the Phillies and the Eagles.

After graduating from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia and the University of Wisconsin with a graduate degree in banking, he accepted a position with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as a bank examiner. Soon after starting with the FDIC in 1969, he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Returning from his tour, he resumed his career with the FDIC, eventually rising to the Senior Executive Service level in their DC office.

During one of his bank examiner assignments in 1980, he met his future wife, Mary. Thus began a lifelong romance that was a model to all who knew them. Mary's fun-loving and outgoing personality meshed perfectly with Bill's gentle but wickedly humorous one. They were married in Honesdale, PA, in 1982; their wedding was justifiably famous in family lore, a celebration so full of fun and laughter that people still talk about it today. Their homes, both in Glenside and in Derwood, were the venues of innumerable family and friends get-togethers, where good food, drink, and great company were always on the menu.

Bill was a proud father to Chad and Kelli. Being a father was one of his most meaningful roles, and he was a gentle and loving one. Bill and Kelli shared the same sly sense of humor and had a unique bond that was unmistakable to anyone who saw them together. Bill relied on Chad for his common sense and ability to fix almost anything. He took pleasure in recounting stories of Chad's adventures working for Amtrak. Bill was always proud of his children's accomplishments, and his daughter-in-law, Kelly, was no different. Bill adored Kelly, who brought so much fun, spirit, and joy into his life.

His family was truly complete when Chad and his wife Kelly welcomed their daughters, Madison and Brooke. Bill adored his granddaughters and was a constant, loving, and supportive presence as they grew up just around the corner, spending countless moments together in their grandparents' living room.

Bill had a true gift for enjoying life. He enjoyed a series of annual golf trips with his brothers to courses all over the country, visiting California, Arizona, Texas, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The golf itself was always secondary to the time spent with the brothers, telling stories and sharing meals.

Even more cherished was the time spent with the extended McNamara family in the shore town of Strathmere, NJ. His happy place was sitting on a dock of the bay, watching the sun go down with his loved ones. He was the author of many of the iconic "Welcome to the Shore" song parodies that highlighted his brilliant comedic sensibility. He had a deep, mellow voice that was a pleasure to listen to.

Bill's passing at 79 seems much too soon. However, his life was full of love, friendship, laughter, and joy. While we mourn his absence, we will always be grateful for his example of how to live a good life.

A celebration of life will be held with family and friends.

The family welcomes you to share memories and photos on this page.