William Kretzschmar

He is preceded in death by his father Paul Kretzschmar, his mother Elizabeth Donovan, his brother Paul Kretzschmar and his sister Elizabeth Lombardo.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Janet and two sons, Kevin and Todd Kretzschmar, two grandsons, Kade and Alex and daughter-in-laws, Kandi and Michelle.

He was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY before joining the United States Marine Corps in January,1960. While serving in the Marine Corps, Bill flew the H-34 helicopter as well as the A-4 Skyhawk and A-6 Intruder. He flew two tours in Vietnam and earned a Silver Star for gallantry in action.

After the Marine Corps, Bill began what was to become a 30 year career with American Airlines. While based in New York and Raleigh-Durham NC, he flew the Boeing 727, DC-10, Boeing 757 and 767.

After settling in Killingworth, CT at the beginning of his American Airlines career, Bill and Jan raised a family and developed many deep friendships that endured even after relocating to Cary, NC for their retirement years. Throughout his 31 years living in Cary, Bill developed new friendships with a variety of people in the community, including golf partners, neighbors and fellow volunteers. All the while, he maintained life-long friendships formed during his active Marine Corps days, traveling to reunions around the country.

Bill had many passions over the years, including softball, tennis, hiking, running, skiing, walking, golf and traveling. In addition to being physically active, he was an avid reader of all subjects, often having two books going at once. He was also an accomplished writer and photographer.

Bill loved the Marine Corps and continued to support his country and the military throughout his retirement as a volunteer at the Raleigh-Durham Airport USO. In 2018, he was named Raleigh-Durham Center USO Volunteer of the Year. Bill regularly contributed to USO newsletters and Marine Corps Aviation Association publications.

Bill will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a date TBD.

His family would like to thank all of those who assisted in his care recently and those who continue to offer their thoughts, prayers and condolences during this difficult time.