Arthur "Bill"-Willis-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Rigby Harting and Hagan Funeral Home - Media

Arthur "Bill" Willis

Guest Book

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Bill was a good-natured soul. We will always remember him going to various events in his kilt to play the bagpipes or having the neighbors sing one of his lighthearted songs (Oh how the camel loved Ali- Baba!). He will truly be missed.

Bill loved music, good cheer, dancing, his beloved Boston terriers, a good cup of tea, time spent in his wonderful backyard, even the outdoor shower was part of his joy;) And he most certainly loved the ladies too!

We loved hearing him play his tin whistle and being surprised in full bagpipe regalia, like on Andy’s 40th birthday.

He was incredibly welcoming when we moved to Wallingford almost 16 years ago, our first home, pre-kids. The first night of bourbon made the...

Bill was a fabulous musician, arranger, and friend. I taught woodwinds at Swarthmore Music Center in the mid seventies, and I played saxophone in his Big Band From the Valley for many years before he officially retired. I am currently playing in this band, and I am honored to have been selected by him for this wonderful position. May God give you comfort in knowing that he is home in Heaven and made whole again. He left a beautiful musical legacy for all of us that will be with us always...

I played trumpet with Bill in his Big Band from the Valley. Bill played trumpet with my Upper Darby Sousa Band. A great guy! Will miss Bill. May he rest in peace.

Bill was the best bandleader I worked for. I worked at Swarthmore Music School and performed with his various music outfits. An amazing entertainer and forthright person. So sad to see him go. I can see him playing bagpipes in heaven....

Obituary

Arthur "Bill"'s Obituary

Arthur "Bill" Willis, a resident of Wallingford, PA, passed away on January 27, 2026.  Arthur was born in England in December 1930. He was just eight years old when World War II erupted, literally in his own backyard; his family lived in London, the virtual epicenter of Nazi aggression,...

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