William James Hawkins

William James Hawkins (Bill) of Magnolia, Delaware, passed away Thursday, March 5th, 2026. He was 80.

Born on January 9, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York to the late Alfred F. Hawkins and Eleanor R. McMullen, Bill grew up in East Brunswick, NJ. After graduating from East Brunswick High School in 1964, he dedicated his time to the Army Reserves through September 1971.

Always interested in how things work as it relates to technology and electronics, he took his love of transmitters, circuits and CB radio and pursued college at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. Realizing school was not for him, he left to take a job at Radio Corporation of American (RCA), where he was excited to immediately work on the latest products in radio and technology during the most transformative era in consumer technology.

Joining Popular Science in the early 1970s, he became the magazine's primary voice for the emerging world of microcomputers, home video, and digital audio. He was known for his "hands-on" approach-whether he was building a DIY satellite dish or testing the very first "appliance" computers like the Apple II and TRS-80.

Through his recurring columns, "Look and Listen" and "Bits & Bytes," he served as a trusted guide for millions of readers, helping them navigate the transition from the analog world to the digital age. He was one of the first inventors of home automation and was proud of his home computer, "Breslin" who not only spoke with a distinct voice, but controlled the lights, security, temperature and timers in the house. His home was featured on "Good Morning America" and "The Today Show" as well as several other media outlets.

His charismatic personality and deep relationships with colleagues at electronics companies like Sony, Panasonic, Apple and 3M, enabled Bill to go on to establish his own public relations firm, New Directions in Princeton, NJ. In 2007, Bill moved to Delaware and built his home in Magnolia and along with it, a new home automation assistant, Maggie. He enjoyed walking his dog, Benji, in the neighborhood and through those walks, became acquainted with many of his neighbors and beloved friends, always willing to lend a hand. Above all, he was a devoted father who cherished his wife and daughters.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Vickie L. Hawkins of Magnolia, DE; his daughters, Kristen Hawkins (Michael Fink) of High Bridge, NJ; Jennifer Cote (Bryce) of Wakefield, MA; Laura Hawkins of Princeton, NJ; Riki Reich of Toms River, NJ; his six grandchildren, Dylan, Rylee, Benjamin, Katie, Carolyn, and Carter; and his great granddaughter, Madelyn.

Always smiling no matter the circumstance, his infectious laugh and constant jokes will be forever missed by all.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00pm, Sunday March 15th, 2026, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, Delaware. Friends and family may gather one hour prior.

Intombment in North Brunswick, NJ to follow at a later date.

For those unable to attend the funeral service, there will be a livestream on www.torbertfuneral.com. It can be found under the "Upcoming Livestreams" tab and viewed by clicking on his name.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association (donorservices.alz.org) or Noah's A.R.C. of Magnolia, DE. (www.noahsanimalrescuecenter.org).

Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com