William Lynch

1942 - 2017

WILLIAM LYNCH William F. Lynch of Wilmington, N.C. passed away on Sunday, June 4 2017 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. Bill was born in NYC on December 2, 1942 the only child of John J. Lynch and Mae Sullivan Lynch. He attended Iona College in New Rochelle, NY graduating with a degree in Political Science in 1964. After graduating Bill worked for the NYC Department of Social Services where he was employed in different capacities throughout his more than 20 years with the Department. Bill received a Masters Degree in Social Work from Fordham University in 1973. He attended the Training Institute for Mental Health Practitioners and was certified in June 1980 to practice Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy. Bill started a private practice but continued working for the City where he developed an Employee Assistance Program for the NYC Office of Psychiatry. In 1987 he accepted a job as Manager in the EAP at the NY Times retiring in July of 2002. Bill served in the NY Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in July of 1970. Bill is survived by his wife Joan (nee Rantas) of 50 years, sons John (Anne OBrien), Matthew (Jennifer), Neal (Mya) and 8 grandchildren (Matthew, Allison, Grace, Catherine, Peyton, Madelyn, Vivian and Gus). Brother in law Tom Rantas (Leslie), sisters in law, Anne Myers, and Doris Moore and many wonderful nieces, nephews and friends. After raising their family in NY and NJ, Bill and Joan moved to Wilmington in 2003. Bill enjoyed his 15 years of retirement. He loved traveling, skiing, riding his bike in Vermont, playing racquet ball, exercising and playing pickleball at the WAC where he met many friends. He loved sports and got great joy watching his grandchildren play sports. Bill had a wonderful sense of humor and a playful spirit. He had great fun playing games and roughhousing with his grandchildren. He loved his sons and grandchildren and was very proud of them. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 am Saturday, June 9, 2017 at the Basilica Shrine of St. Mary with visitation at the church at 9am and food being served after the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Bill's name to the St Mary School Scholarship Fund or a charity of your choice. Special thanks to the CCU Doctors, Nurses, and staff who took wonderful care of Bill.