Obituary of William L. McDowell Jr.
William L. McDowell, Jr. “Bill”, age 80, of Chadds Ford, PA, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Born on October 1, 1945 in Chester, PA, to the late William L. McDowell, Sr. and Martha (Melnyczuk) McDowell. Bill was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed story telling and making people laugh. He was a 1963 graduate of St. James High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1963–1967. He married the love of his life, Helen (Forgione), on December 27, 1969.They raised their two sons, Will and Darren, in Aston prior to moving to Chadds Ford in 1990. A man of strong faith, he was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish and St. Cornelius Catholic Church.
While Bill initially worked in construction, he spent the bulk of his career as a grocery manager with Acme Markets for 34 years before his retirement. He was innovative, winning several awards for his merchandising skills.
More importantly, his family remained the center of his life. He dedicated his life to his wife and children, and later his grandchildren – always putting them first. He coached soccer for both sons and was a cub scout den leader along with Helen. Bill loved to play hoops with the neighborhood kids and perfected his bank shot in the driveway. He also enjoyed volunteering with school and church activities, providing donations of food, time, and resources. Behind the scenes, he would grocery shop for the sisters of the St. Joseph’s School convent and served as a counter at the Rectory.
Bill loved having a catch, a cup of coffee and the Daily Times, Scotto’s pizza, Taylor pork roll on the Wildwood boardwalk, the Crab Trap, and playing pinochle with his friends. He enjoyed listening to music, particularly Jim Croce and the Beach Boys; watching his favorite movie characters from Shane to Dirty Harry, as well as the genius of Hawkeye Pierce and Sam Malone. He loved all of Helen’s best dishes, his favorites included homemade spaghetti and meatballs, chicken and sausage, rice pudding, and pistachio dessert.
Known for his humor and easygoing spirit, Bill loved joking around and making people laugh, a practice that he sharpened playing pranks on his sisters and their friends as children. He was an avid collector of sports memorabilia and spent many weekends at yard sales and card shows in search of the elusive 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Bill cherished family vacations to Ocean City, NJ, and Wildwood Crest. Throughout his life, nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He spoiled them with his time and attention, always there for their sporting events and school activities. He loved playing with them on the beach, taking them for ice cream and McDonald’s and sharing hilarious stories that had them howling in laughter.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Helen McDowell; his sons, William McDowell III (Honora) and Darren McDowell (Sarah - fiancée); his grandchildren, Lucas, Sean, and Samantha; and his sisters, Louise “Cookie” Jones and Maureen Bugey (Jim). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 9:30–11:00 AM at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, Chadds Ford, PA, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the V Foundation for Cancer Research. http://www.v.org/
Online condolences may be offered at www.paganofuneralhome.com.
