William "Bill" Witterschein

William R. "Bill" Witterschein, 84 April 8, 1941 – August 28, 2025 William R. Witterschein, affectionately known to all as Bill, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on April 8, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Bill was the beloved son of the late George J. and Veronica (Hanlon) Witterschein. He attended St. Michael's High School in Jersey City and went on to graduate from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point with a degree in engineering. While there, he also played varsity basketball - a sport that he later coached in a local middle school while living in The Villages, Florida. In 1962, Bill met the love of his life, Kathleen "Kathy" Stanton, on a summer day at Avon-by-the-Sea. They married in 1964 and shared 61 wonderful years together, raising a loving and close-knit family. Bill began his professional life at sea, serving as a ship's engineering officer aboard cruise lines. True to a promise he made to his wife, he left sailing behind when they were expecting their first child. He went on to excel in a variety of roles - including in sales, as an entrepreneur, and later as a dedicated educator in A.P. physics and chemistry. He earned a master's degree from Rutgers University and took great pride in inspiring young minds. A lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast, Bill added tennis and golf to his love of basketball and baseball. There were not many sports he didn't love. He also nurtured a passion for astronomy and photography, which he briefly pursued as a small business. But above all, Bill's heart was with his family. He and Kathy raised three daughters - Jill, Maura, and Amy - and he devoted himself to being present in their lives. He was a constant source of encouragement, support, and love, never missing a moment to cheer them on. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, George and Veronica Witterschein; his brothers, George and John Witterschein; his sister, Ellen Thompson; his daughter, Jill Young; and his grandson, Craig Kluckhuhn. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Kathy (affectionately, Kath); daughters Maura (Tom) Hulsey and Amy (Robbie) Kluckhuhn; son-in-law Brad Young; his sister, Mary Richards; and his brother-in-law, Dr. Robert Stanton. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Jake, Maddy (Seth), Kyle (Roby), Grace, Meg, Greta, Catherine, Brian, and Charlie; and his great-grandchildren: Liam, Amelia, and Payton. Bill will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his warmth, intellect, and humor, and the love and integrity with which he lived his life. His legacy is one of kindness, curiosity, and enduring family bonds. A remembrance and celebration of Bill's life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, beginning at 12:00 PM at Stewart Hall (136 Sherwood Forest Road, Sherwood Forest, MD 21405). Donations in Bill's name may be made to the: Wounded Warrior Project: http://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/