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William DeTora Obituary
Collingswood - William Vincent DeTora, 62, of Collingswood, NJ, passed away suddenly on January 4, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Bill was the beloved husband of Donna M. (nee Kline) loving father of the late Shannon Clifford, Jillian Kelley (Dennis) and Nicholas DeTora. He was the cherished Pop-Pop of Ciara DeTora, who was the light of Bill's life. He was also the dear brother of Mark (Judy Morris), Timothy (Kathy) and the late Greg DeTora. He is also survived by several loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Bill's favorite author was Mark Twain who once said, "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter, 'tis the difference between the lightening bug and the lightening." His life-long love of the written word and witty humor were the foundation for many passions in his life. He earned his Ph.D. in English from Temple University, and became a well-respected and revered Professor of English Literature at Gloucester County Community College. He enjoyed words transformed into lyrics, and was always listening and singing various types of music. He was a life-long learner, and often watched documentaries on different historic topics. He had a strong relationship with God, and was a devout member of Blessed Theresa of Calcutta Parish in Collingswood and co-founderof their St. Vincent DePaul Society. After his relationship with God, Bill cherished his time with family and friends most in life and loved them all deeply, especially his 3-year-old granddaughter, Ciara. His relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, January 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00a.m. at Blessed Theresa of Calcutta Parish, 809 Park Ave., Collingswood, NJ. A Mass will be celebrated at 11:15a.m. In accordance with Bill's wishes, interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the William DeTora Words of Wisdom Education Fund made out to Donna DeTora on behalf of their granddaughter, Ciara, which will assist in her higher education costs. Donations may be sent to: 1015 Park Avenue Collingswood, NJ 08108. Arrangements entrusted to the CRERAN FUNERAL HOME, Oaklyn, NJ. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.creranfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William DeTora
Sponsored by Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes.
Ron Ruediger
January 1, 2020
Just remembering you on this day as you are thought of each and every day never to be forgotton
Paul Schrader
April 11, 2019
Rest in peace Dr. Detora. You were one of my favorite professors at RCGC. Your Freedom Papers class inspired me and are always with me as I am pursue my masters in history at Rowan university.
St John Class of 1969 Boy's First Holy Communion
Jane Hill
January 27, 2018
St John Class of 1969 Reunion
Jane Hill
January 27, 2018
St. John Class of 1969
Jane Hill
January 27, 2018
St John Class of 1969
Jane Hill
January 27, 2018
Bill was an exceptional human being. I'll always remember his kindness to me.
Besides spending 12 years attending school together, our paths crossed many times through the years. He loved Dickens Inn in Philly where I was GM back in the 80'sand early 90's. Although Mark Twain was his favorite author, he and his brother, Mark, relished receiving different Dickens memorabilia during their Friday night or Christmas gatherings.
Our St. John's Class of 1969 had a reunion in 1999 at the Varsity Inn. I remember Bill telling me that the 8 years of grade school friendships were very important to him and he would never forget them. The picture of that reunion is a little fuzzy but there is no mistaking Bill in the center. The picture of our 1st grade class 1961 (Row 1, 5th from L) is a treasure as well as the boy's pic of their 1st Holy Communion 1961 (Row 1, 3rd from L).
The last time I saw Bill was after Mass on a beautiful summer day. A big smile, twinkling eyes and wave as he went on his way.
Donna,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Bill was so fortunate to have you as his wife.
Jane Hill
January 13, 2018
Professor DeTora was dedicated to colleagues and his students. His passion was British Literature, he loved teaching and discussing it.
We shared an office for eighteen years, he was a dear friend. Bill will be missed!
I offer my sincere sadness and condolence to Donna DeTora and family.
Birdena Brookins
Ron & Shy Ruediger
January 12, 2018
I am so very sorry to hear of Bills passing. The world has lost a trruly amazing man that touched many lives.
Bill and I coached Collingswood Little League, alongside each other for many years. Such good memories. I'm so saddened to hear of his passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Family. God Bless!
Marcela Stein-Savelski
January 12, 2018
Words cannot express the sadness at losing the wonderful and kind friend and colleague that Bill was. I feel privileged to have known him. My thoughts are with his wife and family.
Kevin O'Neill
January 11, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. May God's love and peace comfort you at this difficult time.
Joan Barski
January 11, 2018
We were sadden to hear about Bill's passing.Sending prayer for his wife and family. We could not of ask for better neighbors on New Jersey Ave.
January 10, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Bill. We spent many a day at the DeTora home listening to great music and talking about the Hobbit during high school. Gone much too soon. Prayers of comfort and peace for Donna and family. May you find joy in your precious memories of Bill and comfort in knowing he is in God's loving arms. Well done... good and faithful servant!
Mary Rimositis Hecker
Sharon Novella
January 9, 2018
Our prayers go to his wife Donnalynne our beautiful and loving cousin and her family. We are thinking of you often and hope the love of God, family and friends guide you to peace. Bill will always be in your hearts and will be remembered by all who loved him. I am especially sorry to have missed his Mass.
Sincerely,
The Novella Family
Aunt Miriam, Sandy and Steve and family, Donna, Bob, Tom and Family, Sharon and Elaine, and Joe.
January 9, 2018
I'm heartsick to learn of Bill's death. He was my beloved office mate for some years at GCC. What a shocking loss.
James Romano
January 8, 2018
Two sad losses on New Jersey Ave this week, back-to-back: Mrs. Shirley Heinel (down the block past the Angelucci's), and Billy DeTora. It was a very special little stretch of row homes, with the McGettigans, the DeToras, the Norrises, and the Powells across the street. Almost like a slice of South Philly, especially on summer nights when it was teeming with kids and moms like Mrs. DeTora sitting out on the stoop. Billy was a little older and wiser, but I recall he always had a glimmer in his eye like he had a trick up his sleeve, or some clever remark he was holding back. Those were good days and good memories--thanks, Billy, and great choice on the Mark Twain quote.
Kimberly/John Foster/Chowansky
January 8, 2018
Our prayers will be with you all. Your sorrow yet the heavens rejoice as Bill is home. May you find peace in our Lord.
Beverly Moritz
January 8, 2018
Prayers and love to the family. So sorry for your loss.
Bob O'Neill
January 8, 2018
Donna and family, I am truly lost for appropriate words to express my most sincere condolences for your loss. Donna, Bill was a good friend from the time you two were teen-agers.
I need not remind you of what a fine Christian person he was which places Bill in God's hand right now.
You are in my prayers for God's peace.
Becky Strickland
January 8, 2018
Bill was a wonderful man and colleague who had a smile for everyone and time to talk. He'll be missed!
Frank Mcgettigan
January 8, 2018
I am so sorry to hear about Bill.I wish my condolences and prayers to Bills family and family and friends.I will always remember growing up on NJ AVENUE with Bill and his family as next door neighbors.Bill was one of the oldest of many kids on that block and we all looked up to him.He was one of the smartest,coolest people I've ever met.
Frank Mcgettigan
January 8, 2018
I am very sorry to hear about Bill. I wish my condolences and prayers to Mark and Tim and rhe rest of Bills family and friends.I will always remember growing up as Bills next door neighbor on NJ avenue.Bil was one of the smartest,coolest people I've ever met.
January 8, 2018
I am so sorry for your lost Prof.Detora was an amazing professors. I had him for Survey of World literature and he taught me to value the works of past writers,he was truly inspirational
Amy Charlesworth
January 8, 2018
So sorry to hear of William's passing. I had him as a professor a few years ago and as a writer, his passion for literature was nothing but inspiring. His enthusiasm for his work was was never lacking and his class was never boring. His presence will be missed on campus by both students and fellow faculty and staff.
Steven Sidoti
January 8, 2018
I was a student of Dr. Detora's English classes at RCGC. He was an amazing professor who will be missed in the liberal arts community. He will certainly be missed. Condolences to the family.
Linda Hurlburt Academic VP RCGC
January 8, 2018
Bill was one of the finest teachers with whom I had the pleasure to work. His love for his students and his subject were evident daily. He will be missed.
My deepest condolences to his family.
January 7, 2018
He will always be known as "Billy" to this old, former neighbor. Remember him as a young boy playing outside with the other kids on New Jersey Avenue. I know his mother and father would be so proud to know that he was held in such high esteem by so many people he touched throughout his life and distinguished career. I am holding his family in my thoughts and prayers today...he was truly a special boy who became an exceptional man.
Tammy Pinos
January 7, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Sending you all lots of love, hugs and prayers. Love Tammy Pinos
Norma Arnold
January 7, 2018
As an instructor in Temple University's Russell Conwell Educational Services Center (RCC) while in graduate school, Dr. Detora was 'one of the best'--student friendly and aware of student needs, well-coordinated in his approach to teaching, and dedicated to his professional mission. He was missed when he left there, and will continue to be missed, I am sure, by his current family, friends and colleagues.
N. Arnold (retired director of RCC Program)
William Dougherty
January 7, 2018
All our Love and Prayers
Zack P
January 7, 2018
I was a student of Mr. DeTora's at RCGC, and his class was unforgettable in more ways than I can describe. He was always fair to us when we had a problem, and I'll miss his fun, witty character. I can't say I knew him too well, but I was looking forward to taking more of his classes in the future, and he will be missed. Condolences to all his friends and family.
Brian Bell
January 7, 2018
I will most miss Bill's smile when he was happiest with family and friends and around a fantastic meal! I will also miss our trips to Europe as Bill was a true Euro-American who was proud of his European heritage. I am certain Bill made a stop in England on his way to Heaven! I will surely miss you brother!
Brian Bell
January 7, 2018
Randy & Kimberly Ruediger
January 7, 2018
We are so sorry for your loss. Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel. You all we be in our thoughts and prayers.
Lawrence Cellucci
January 7, 2018
I am heartbroken. He was my life long best friend, my Brother, and the most intelligent person I have ever known. My life will never be the same without him.
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