William R Deppe

William R Deppe

Regardless of what came Bill’s way in life, he never looked for the easier path, rather focused on finding the strength to move forward. After sustaining a lifelong injury from a motorcycle accident, he never allowed it to slow him down. If you came to him for advice, it was always to keep “positive waves” and everything would work out. Throughout his life, Bill’s generous nature came through in his willingness to help others in need, whether it was his mother’s elderly neighbor or a friend. He helped in whatever way he could, never expecting anything in return. An avid Philadelphia sports fan, Bill could always be seen wearing the jerseys of his favorite teams at family gatherings. His sense of humor and quick wit always had the family laughing, making him a favorite at holidays and cookouts. Bill was always happiest spending time with his family. He thought nothing of working seven days a week to provide for his wife and two daughters. Family trips to the shore were less about the beach and more about time together with loved ones. Come New Year’s Eve everyone was invited to Bill’s home to celebrate. Even his choice in music reflected his love for his daughters. Bill grew up listening to Blue Oyster Cult and Steppenwolf, but later in life would go with his girls to see Creed and Ozzfest. When he was blessed with grandchildren, his duties were clear: provide them with fun nicknames and spoil them as much as possible.rnIn the 1970s Bill would often grab a few Big Macs for lunch. While in line, he never looked at the menu, his eyes were always focused on Alicia (nee Ahearn) the young woman behind the counter. It wouldn’t be long until she was included with his order. During the couple’s 34 years together they were blessed with two daughters Stephanie Wilkins of Delanco and Lori Maeder (Joe) of Cherry Hill and again by their grandchildren: Keighly, Anna, Marissa, and Joey. He is the brother of Edward (Karen), Kaye Deppe, and the late John, and is the uncle of: Melissa Deppe, Matthew Deppe, John Deppe, and Robert McManus.rnCome celebrate Bill’s 56 strong years (June 15, 1955-August 14, 2011) Tuesday, August 30, 2011 from 6pm to 10pm at the VFW on Fairview St in Delran. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Disabled American Veterans. Arrangements by the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside.rnCome share a great memory of Bill at SweeneyFH.comrn

9 Comments

  1. Ellen Rumpp says:

    I worked with Bill at P.I.W. – Iwas the HR Manager and he was President of the Union – interesting combo. Bill was the best – fair – honest and always worth a good laugh. He helped me with my Volvo (directing me to his brother to do the work) and provided many with the “Football” pools. Often wondered what he was doing after the plant closed. Why is the good always die young!

  2. Roree Greene says:

    During my childhood Stephanie and Lori were my best friends. I grew up around Mr. Deppe and he was truly one of the nicest guys I have known. He always had a smile on his face and knew how to put one on yours. My deepest sympathies are with the family.

  3. jim poore says:

    my friend since childhood. what a great lost. thanks Bill for all the fond memories ,till we meet again

  4. joe turner/ aka meatball says:

    wow i just found out im in western pa near lak eier i bowled n played soft ball with bill n is 1 of the funniest guys i new n even a better frd betting called meat ball he use to say why i was bowling the meater running lol he loved his girl n im sure they are missing dady right now i know i am missing a great frd rest in peace n tyvm for being a great frd dep im shocked to hear your passing but your in a better place were u can be the angel your wife kidds and grand kidds will need u in this time of need saying good bye so hard

  5. Carolyn Simpson says:

    Alicia,rnrnBob and my thoughts are with you. We cannot completely express our sincere sympathy for your loss as it is so great. We will miss Bill. He always helped Velma come to visit us out here in Ohio. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope to be with you Sunday if weather permits. Love, Carolyn Simpson

  6. Donna Harrigan Throop says:

    Bill was good friends with Wayne Eaves (my boyfriend at the time)and he was always fun to be around. We all sat together for what was my Junior Prom — there’s a picture on Classmates.com of everyone at the table which, of course, includes Bill, May 1973. R.I.P. Bill.

  7. Matthew McDonald says:

    Mrs. Deppe, Stephanie, and Lorirn My heart felt condolences to you and all of your loved ones. I had the pleasure of meeting your husband and father a few times. He always treated me like a gentlemen, even if I didn’t deserve too be. That just goes to show you the kind of person that he was. He loved his family more than anything and that is the true measurement of a man’s character. My thoughts are with you in these diffucult times.rn Sincerly,rn Matthew McDonald

  8. Helen Leggett says:

    I worked with Bill in the maintenance department at Weyerhaeuser & he was one of my best friends there. He was always kind, helpful, fun to work with. Whenever I needed an explanation I could always depend on Bill. When I saw a truck like his in LeisureTowne, I knew it had to be him. I will miss him dearly and my prayers are with his family.rnrnBlessings,rnHelen

  9. Douglas Borden says:

    I remember Bill and John and Ed from Doane Academy in Burlington.rnBill used to ride his banana seat bike to our house in Beverly from his house in Delanco. We spent a lot of time exploring nellies pond and thr river.rnI last spoke to Bill at Shoprite( the old location on 130) with Mrs Deppe and saw him at a Holy Cross game after I visited with Ed.rnI will miss him along with other friends who seem to be rnbeing called to do God’s work.