Wilmington Resident and Veteran William J. Proctor Dies at 95

William J. Proctor, a 95-year-old resident of Wilmington, Delaware, and a veteran of the U.S. Army, passed away peacefully yesterday, November 10, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Proctor, formerly of Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce Proctor, and his four daughters: Linda Shoff, Sandra Proctor, Heather Proctor, and Colleen Proctor. He also leaves behind two granddaughters, Abigail White and Cassandra Hennessy. Throughout his life, Proctor was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his family and community, qualities often cited by those who knew him.

A master plumber by trade, Proctor often joked about the importance of his profession, famously wearing shirts proclaiming, “without plumbers – you’d have no place to go.” He was also a life-long member of the Masons and enjoyed hobbies such as reading, gardening, and listening to Irish folk music. His passing represents a loss for the Wilmington community, where he was a well-known and respected figure. For information on supporting veterans, resources are available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Family members described Proctor as family-oriented, hard-working, and fun-natured, noting his ability to maintain a positive outlook even in his final days. He enjoyed playing cards and socializing with friends throughout his life, and his family hopes he will find similar companionship in his next chapter. The Masonic fraternity offers support and community for its members, reflecting the values Proctor embraced.

Funeral arrangements are private, and the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of one’s choice in Proctor’s memory.