William John May Jr.

William John May Jr., 90, of Bethany Beach, Delaware, formerly of Newark, Delaware, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026.

Bill (also known as Johnny) was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 18, 1935, the eldest of five children-Bill, Francis, Robert, Sheila, and Catherine-of the late William J. May Sr. and Isa Park May. He grew up in the Canby Park neighborhood of Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School in 1952. Soon after graduating, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve, where he served honorably for two years.

Following his service, Bill returned to Wilmington and, in 1955, married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Eastburn. Their love story spanned 70 wonderful years. In 1957, they welcomed their beloved son, William John May III. Together, they built a life centered on family, moving from Woodland Park Apartments to Dunlinden Acres and eventually settling in Meadowood in Newark, Delaware.

Bill worked for many years at Kenyon, a vending machine company, before continuing his career at Hercules, a large chemical company in Delaware, where he eventually retired. In 1964, Bill and Mary purchased their first beach cottage in Riverdale, Delaware. It quickly became a cherished gathering place where weekends were filled with boating, fishing, laughter, and celebrations with family and friends. Bill was known as a gracious host, always welcoming guests with a warm smile and an open invitation to return.

In 1985, Bill and Mary built their dream retirement home in Bethany Beach. After retiring, they sold their Meadowood home and made the beach their permanent residence. Weekend boating turned into a daily joy, with Bill proudly serving as captain on countless boat rides, fishing trips, and waterskiing outings with his son, Bill III. He had a passion for new vehicles and was always ready with a reason to upgrade, especially when it came to towing his cherished Grady-White boat.

Bill May, a true gentleman, will be fondly remembered for his love of casino trips with Mary, crab feasts on the porch with family, and the deep pride he took in his own son, William May III, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Elizabeth May, and was predeceased by his beloved son, William John May III (2016). He leaves behind his daughter-in-law, Carol Ann May; three grandchildren, William John May IV (Briana May), Kelley May Zaleta (Michael Zaleta), and Kaitlin May Dube (Tim Dube); and seven great-grandchildren, William J. May V, Carter W. May, Mack E. May, Nixon J. Zaleta, Kennedy M. Zaleta, Camryn M. Dube, and Josephine M. Zaleta.

A visitation for Bill will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808, where friends and family may call from 10:30 to11:30am, with a funeral service following at 11:30am. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to House of Heroes CT, 3342 Whitney Ave., Hamden CT 06518