William (Bill) passed gently from this life on April 10,2020. He was 93 years old. He is survived by his beloved wife Virginia (Ginny) of 73 years, his son Barry G. Broadwater (Mary) and his daughter Donna M. B. Lehrich (Robert) and two grandsons Anthony Broadwater (Leanne) and Michael Lehrich. He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, Michael Broadwater, his sister, Mildred Pianka and his grandson, Barry Broadwater Jr.
Bill’s first and last love was his wife Ginny.
Commodore Broadwater and his first mate Ginny spent a lot of time on their boat, the DASOMODA. He was proud of that name as it had significance: DA was for daughter, SO was for son, MO for mom and DA for Dad. He was a longtime delegate to, and Officer of the Delaware River Yachtsmens’ League as well as belonging to the Ran-Del YC, the Neshaminy YC and the Neshaminy Harbor YC. He was instrumental in producing the DRYL yearbook for many years. The last office he held was Fleet Chaplain, which he took very seriously: he spent time composing his prayer for each upcoming occasion, always adding in a touch of humor for interest sake.
Every year, he and Ginny would dance to Proud Mary at the Annual DRYL Dinner Dance. He and Ginny enjoyed road trips and just being together. Bill began a love of fishing at an early age with his father on the Gloria out of Cape May, NJ. He was a hunter. He was a collector of interesting and unusual things and loved the flea market and the thrift shop. He loved to smoke his pipe and wear suspenders. He was a jokester, a tinkerer and a lover of knowledge. He was a ravenous reader.
He was employed as an Elevator and Safety Inspector, worked at Sears in retail, and was a Texaco Service attendant.
He lived in Philadelphia (Tacony and Wissinoming) for most of his life. He spent the last few years in Long Term Care, where his wife would visit him almost every day. He loved to laugh and always appreciated a good joke (even a bad one if it was told well).
He will be sorely missed.
A Memorial service is being delayed due to the global pandemic. Information regarding a scheduled service will be provided at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please share stories and memories with his family, as these will ease their pain in these uncertain and trying times.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.6