William DeBenedictis

William DeBenedictis, of Warminster, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at the age of 91. He was born in Philadelphia and was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy DeBenedictis for 40 years.

William is survived by his three daughters, Carol Rama (Chuck), Doreen DeBenedictis, and Lori Sullivan (Bill); and his grandchildren, Colin and Sophia Sullivan. In addition to his wife and parents, William was predeceased by his older siblings, Edith, Pauline, and Jim. 

Bill attended Bok Vocational School, Phila., PA and has degrees in mechanical and manufacturing engineering from Temple University and Spring Garden College, Chestnut Hill, PA. He was a certified manufacturing engineer in the field of computer-aided manufacturing and computer-aided design, registered as a professional engineer and a member of the American Society of Tool Engineers.

Bill’s first job was as a machinist at the Phila. Navy Yard on the BB-4 Battleship Wisconsin. However, in 1944, Bill answered the call to arms and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served on the George F. Elliott AP-105, a troop transport in San Francisco that ultimately joined a large convoy in 1945 when Okinawa was invaded. He spent 1945 and 1946 transporting US troops to Japan and Korea.

After his time in the service, he was employed by Kaiser Metal Products, Bristol, PA and I-T-E Circuit Breaker, Phila. PA and even has his name on two company patents. However, most of Bill’s impressive career was spent at General Electric where he started out at the Chestnut Street location in Phila., PA and then transferred to the Valley Forge Space Division in King of Prussia, PA. During his time with GE, Bill had the opportunity to work in several different positions and on many important military and scientific projects. He was involved in the design of the first space chamber required to the simulate conditions of space. He worked on other programs such as space probes, landing vehicles, spacecrafts and satellites for communication, weather, and earth mapping. In 1989, after 33 years, Bill left GE and began his life as a retiree. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 after 10:00 am until the time of his funeral service at 11:00 am in Schneider Funeral Home, 431 N. York Road, Hatboro, PA. His interment will be held privately. Memorial contributions in memory of Bill may be made to St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 1795 Columbia Ave, Hatboro, PA 19040 or Willow Grove VFW Post 3612, 305 W Moreland Rd, Willow Grove, PA 19090.

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