William John "Bill" Atkinson

William "Bill" John Atkinson, an attorney, longtime public servant and beloved father and grandfather, died unexpectedly on Easter Sunday, March 31.
Born in Williamsport, PA, Bill was a 1967 graduate of Montoursville High School. He attended Dickinson College and graduated Dickinson School of Law in 1974. He then served in a variety of state government roles, including as a law clerk for the state Department of Justice, general counsel for the Governor's Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse and deputy attorney general under Gov. Milton Shapp.
He was vice president, publisher, and general counsel for Labor Relations Press for eight years, during which time he also served as an instructor in labor and employment law at Temple University's School of Business and worked in private practice representing municipalities in Bucks County during collective bargaining and interest arbitration.
In 1988, Gov. Bob Casey Sr. appointed Bill as a Commissioner to the state Workmen's Compensation Appeal Board and his term was later renewed by Gov. Tom Ridge. Over his years hearing cases, Bill authored thousands of decisions and prided himself as a fierce advocate for workers' rights.
Bill had a huge heart, loved babies and dogs and was always ready and willing to help anyone in need. Bill's passion for fairness and the ideals of the Democratic Party were matched only by his love of and dedication to his family. In retirement, he spent countless hours caring for his grandchildren, playing with them at his neighborhood pool and during family vacations, and cheering them on alongside athletic fields and hockey rinks. He was forever changed by his experience studying in Bologna, Italy, and took great pride in returning there years later to share his experience with his family.
Bill was a longtime active member of St. James Episcopal Church in Langhorne. He was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, rarely missing a game. He loved the color BLUE, the Little League World Series, annual family reunions at Kneobels, peanut butter cups and was an aficionado of all things blueberry. He was proud of his work, his family, and his Welsh heritage.
Bill is survived by his daughter Heather Atkinson, son-in-law Evan Berland and grandson Noah; and by daughter Tegan (Atkinson) Johnson, son-in-law Dan Johnson and granddaughters Charlotte and Ava; his wife of many years, Lina Jean (Shaffer) Atkinson; and many cousins.
Family and friends are invited to Bill's Life Celebration on Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 12:00-12:30pm at St. James Episcopal Church, 330 South Bellevue Avenue, Langhorne, PA 19047. His Memorial Service will follow at 12:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bill's honor to St. James Episcopal Church.
Family services entrusted under the care of Dunn-Givnish Funeral Home, Langhorne.
1-800-GIVNISH