Obituary published on Legacy.com by Boyd-Horrox-Givnish Funeral Home on Jan. 22, 2026.
William J. McCormick, Jr. of
Blue Bell, PA and winter resident of
Bradenton, FL, was granted his final blessing of Eternal Life and passed away peacefully at his home at Normandy Farms in Blue Bell, on Sunday January 18, 2026, his 90th birthday. Born January 18, 1936 in
Upper Darby, PA. he was the son of the late William J. and Sarah (nee Broomall) McCormick and the beloved husband of Jacqueline (nee Foucre') McCormick with whom he enjoyed 68 years of marriage.
In addition to his wife, Jacqueline, Bill is survived by his younger sister, Mary Elaine Ford along with his five children; William J. III, (Nancy), Robert (Kimberly), Michelle Jancuska (John), Brian (Tara), and Barry (Jennifer). He is also survived by his 12 grandchildren; Sarah, Christina (Carson), Lauren (James), Brianna, Kelsey, Kaitlyn, Barry Jr, Cooper, Billy IV, Marcella, Bobby Jr and Brian Jr, as well as two great grandchildren; Claire and Margot. Bill was preceded in death by his younger brother Stephen.
Bill was well educated. He attended Waldron Academy and later on to Malvern Preparatory School. Bill started his college career at the College of Holy Cross and finished as a graduate of LaSalle University ('58), where he majored in Marketing.
In 1960, Bill and Jackie moved from Bryn Mawr to Blue Bell (then known as Whitpain Township). They created a home where they raised their family and remained for 65 years. Finally settled, he dug into his new world of opportunities. He became a very active parishioner at Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church and was a part of the first class of Eucharistic Ministers at the parish.
By the time Bill was 28, he was the father of five children. Based on his Catholic beliefs, all of the kids attended Epiphany grade school. His involvement at the school led to coaching both the boy's baseball and basketball teams. For a span of 18 years, he was a very successful and respected head basketball coach winning multiple CYO Region 21 championships. During that span, he also held the position of CYO Region 21 Commissioner. A true role model to the area youth, many great local players would go to his residence and, under the spotlights, play hoops late into the night. "Everyone wanted to be around Mr. McCormick!"
Business was a part of his fabric and he learned early as he witnessed his father (aka: "Spuds") become the largest potato broker in the US. In 1965, he and a partner founded Self-Seal Container Corp. in
Bridgeport, PA., a paperboard container manufacturer offering paper tubes, cores and fulfillment services. Building upon that, Bill simultaneously was a founder/partner of two other companies, Cornerboard Inc. in 1971 and Reddi-Crate Inc. the same year. In 1990, the Reddi-Crate concept was so innovative, the company was granted a patent. At their peak, his companies had 120+ employees located in five states throughout the US.
Bill felt that employing people was paramount as it put food on other family's tables. Upon the sale of the latter two companies, Bill retired in 1998 at the age of 62 and built his dream house in Cape May to share with his family and friends.
His family was his everything, being social was not far behind. One of his greatest joys was sitting at the dinner table in his home in Cape May, surrounded by family and friends. Family banter was his entertainment. If you were a newcomer to his table, Bill welcomed you and would know everything about you before it was over. His home was his happy-place and it was rare that people didn't find their way back to just visit and be in his presence.
Bill was a very proud Philadelphian. He was also a very loyal and intense Philly sports fan! He was an Eagles season ticket holder beginning in 1958 to the present. GO Birds!! Bill was an avid golfer and was a longtime member of Cedarbrook CC in Blue Bell, a member of El Conquistador CC in
Bradenton, FL, and a charter member at Cape May National GC in Cape May. His love of travel was lifelong and extensive. Whether it be a trip to Europe as a kid, golf trips to Bermuda, being down at the Shore, traveling across the continental US with his wife and 5 children and a camper in tow, there was always more he wanted to see. His final trip was a cruise in June of 2025 with a crew of almost 30 family members. Still enjoying the life he had in him, and in his wheelchair, he was thrilled to be voted as "Sexiest Man on the Ship".
He was dedicated to, and cherished the Malvern Retreat House. Introduced to Malvern at a young age by his father, Bill became a 58-year Retreatant. He also served on the Malvern Retreat House Board of Directors from 1999-2008, was a CA Captain, a recruiter and a continued supporter over the years. Bill's sons, grandsons, son-in-law, and nephews, continue to follow in his path to the Malvern Retreat House. He always enjoyed being with the Men of the Epiphany Group (unrelated to his parish, ironically), which always occurred the first weekend of every year.
"Always giving, expecting nothing thereof" is how he lived his life. A humble man!
Bill, Dad, Pops, Uncle, Friend, you are already sorely missed by all that you touched!!
Relatives and friends are invited to share in Bill's Life Celebration on Monday February 9, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Boyd-Horrox-Givnish Funeral Home, 200 West Germantown Pike, East Norriton, PA. (610-277-7000). A second visitation will be held on Tuesday February 10, from 10 AM to 10:45 AM at Epiphany of Our Lord Church, 3050 Walton Rd., Plymouth Meeting, PA. His Funeral Mass will begin at 11 AM at the church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in William's name can be made to: Malvern Retreat House - http://weblink.donorperfect.com/ILOF or
Shriner's Hospital - https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/