William Franklin "Bill" Chester

Obituary of William Franklin Chester

William F. Chester, a resident of Wildwood, New Jersey for more than twenty-five years, passed away on January 17, 2026, in Wilmington, Delaware. He was 83 years old.

Born in Media, Pennsylvania, Bill was the son of the late Robert Thompson Chester and Marjorie Ellen Chester. He was a graduate of Penncrest High School, where he excelled in athletics, including basketball and track. His lifelong passion for sports earned him induction into both the Delaware County Sports Hall of Fame and the Media Sports Hall of Fame.

Bill's love of competition continued well into later life through softball, where he was a championship player and an enthusiastic participant in the Senior Olympics.

Following high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving with distinction for four years before receiving an Honorable Discharge. After his military service, he began a long and successful career with A&P Markets, later known as Super Fresh. He served as a store manager for more than thirty years.

Upon retiring, Bill relocated from Delaware County to Wildwood, New Jersey, where he enjoyed an active and fulfilling retirement for over twenty-five years.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria, and his brother, Robert. He is survived by his children, Kimberly (Michael) Porter, Brian (Ryan Lenz) Chester, Kristy Chester and his cherished grandchildren, Alexa Adams, Nathanyal Godlewski, Abigail Chester, and Austin Lefkowski.

Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bill's memory be made to Del Vets Post #1, 2535 Veterans Drive, Wilmington, DE 19810