Obituary of William F. Stephens

William F. "Stretch" Stephens, age 89, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on October 15, 2024, at Sunrise Assisted Living in Wilmington. Born and raised in Glenolden, PA, he was the son of William T. and Hazel A. (nee Spencer) Stephens. He was a long-time resident of Wilmington for over 55 years.

A proud veteran, Stretch served his country in the U.S. Army in Texas where he drove transport trucks and played basketball. He worked thirty-seven years at Scott Paper Company in Chester, PA as an Instrument Technician and Senior Trainer before retiring in 1991. Stretch loved the outdoors, he enjoyed activities like boating, fishing, and hunting, serving in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and as a Cub Scout leader and Boy Scout Master. After his retirement Stretch started a second career as a woodworker and for decades could be seen working on projects in his garage in Naamans Gardens. He was a trouble-shooter and a fixer and had a talent for working with his hands. After finishing the tasks of the day he would spend the evenings sitting on the back deck sharing a glass of wine with Nancy and watching the birds. Stretch and his family loved to travel, they camped in Disney, canoed in Maine, sailed the Chesapeake, and saw the world on many cruise ships.

In addition to his parents, Stretch was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anna E. (nee Friel) Stephens, who passed away in 2021.

He is survived by his three children: William S. Stephens (Jan), Mark T. Stephens (Noel Andrews), and Susanne McGuire (Michael); nine grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 18, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Rd, Garnet Valley, PA 19060. A military service and family sharing will follow at 6:00 p.m. Interment will occur on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd, Bear, DE 19701. Condolences in Stretch's memory may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com.