William John "Bill" Fox III

William John (Bill) Fox III, 57, of Scranton, passed away Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Geisinger Community Medical Center. He is survived by his cherished wife, the former Heather Bender.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late William John Fox Jr. and Gwendolyn McCauley Fox. A graduate of West Scranton High School, Bill attended Delaware Valley College, where he proudly played on the football team.

Bill was elected Scranton School Board Director, Lackawanna County Tax Collector, and served on the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit board. He was a Pennsylvania-licensed insurance agent and continued his political career as Chief of Staff for State Representative Kyle Donahue. Bill relished the many years he spent coaching football at Dunmore High School, where he was a mentor and friend to many. Besides being called "Dad," his role as "Coach Fox" brought him much joy and fulfillment. His willingness to help anyone in need inspired him to volunteer for many charitable causes, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Special Olympics.

He and his wife enjoyed 30 years together. For fun, they explored wineries, cruised to the Islands, and attended Jimmy Buffett concerts. They recently returned from a trip to Italy with their adored friends. Bill was an avid golfer and the 1996 racquetball state champion. He was an experienced pizza connoisseur, the life of the party, and yet mastered the Irish goodbye.

Bill's devotion to his family was his priority. He loved watching his son and true best friend, Billy, play baseball from Little League through the collegiate level. Cheering for the Phillies, rooting for Notre Dame, and the Steelers with his son were moments he treasured. Megan, his "Gracie Girl," brought him endless joy as he watched her excel as a talented competitive dancer, gymnast, and cheerleading captain at Scranton Prep.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, William J. Fox IV and Megan Grace Fox; brothers Greg Fox (Theresa) and daughter Hayden, Stephen and daughter Molly; sister Joni Zech (Harold) and children Hugh, Gwen, and Naomi; aunts and uncles: Joan Hrycow, Patricia Keegan (Jim); his mother-in-law, Sharon Bender; brother-in-law; John Bender (Kate) and their children Jack, Luke, Anna, Mia, Greta, and Vera, sister-in-law; Sherri (Lawrence) Lola, Charlie, and Christian. He will be sadly missed by his cousin, Michelene Hrycow, his Keegan cousins, and the large, extended Fox family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Mary Grace, father-in-law Jack Bender, and his uncle Peter Hrycow, with whom he shared a close bond.

A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, Aug. 7, at 3:00 p.m. at Divine Mercy Parish at St. Joseph's Church, 312 Davis St., followed by a celebration of life at Glenmaura Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Special Olympics Pennsylvania - Northeast Region, Attn: Heather Schreiner, P.O. Box 419, Honesdale, PA 18431 (specialolympicspa.org). Please note: "In Memory of Bill Fox III" on the donation.

In honor of Bill's lifelong commitment to comfort over convention, please ditch the suits. A collared shirt will do just fine-he'd appreciate the effort, but not the fuss. "Giddy up"

Arrangements, Neil W. Regan Funeral Home, Inc.