William Van Weaver

William Van Weaver

**September 30, 1937 – January 5, 2025**

William Van Weaver, a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and family patriarch, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025.

Bill was devoted to his wife Betty, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. Their love story began as childhood sweethearts in middle school. As a teenager, Bill would ride his horse to North East to spend time with Betty. After graduating, they married and built a life filled with love and laughter. Bill’s family was his pride and joy. He is survived by his children: Jeff Weaver and wife Michelle of Richmond, VA; Keith Weaver of West Chester, PA; Amy McCarthy and husband Matt of Chocowinity, NC; and Dwight Weaver and wife Sue of Franklinville, NJ.

He was a proud grandfather to Kelly Weaver (Benjamin Smith), Ryan Weaver (Anna Tucker), Matthew Weaver, Rachel Patrick (Aaron Patrick), Marquie Edgar (Kent Edgar), Laura Rickabaugh (Tristan Rickabaugh), John McCarthy (Dianna Schaeffer), Theodore Weaver, Allison Weaver, and Jason Weaver. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Isra Smith, Malik Smith, Lana Smith, Penelope Weaver, Arthur Weaver, Maddox Patrick, Delilah Patrick, and Archer Rickabaugh.

Bill was born on September 30, 1937, in Derby, Virginia, to Robert Van Weaver and Mary Kathryn “Kitten” Weaver. He was the eldest of seven children, growing up in a close-knit family with siblings Phyllis Reynolds, Gary Weaver, Sharon Weaver, Bo Weaver, Ernie Weaver, and Kathy Bordeaux. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Betty, brother Gary, and sisters Phyllis and Kathy.

Throughout his life, Bill worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He was skilled and versatile, excelling in various roles. He worked as a welder and contributed to the family construction business, completing numerous projects at the Thiokol plant. Later, Bill’s career shifted to golf course management, which began when his employer introduced him to the game. Falling in love with golf, he joined the Pike Creek Valley Golf Course during its construction, eventually becoming the superintendent. His dedication and expertise led him to similar roles at the Downingtown Inn and Resort and, later, the Sheraton Inn in Philadelphia, where he worked until his retirement.

Bill’s fondest childhood memories were summers spent on his grandparents’ mountain farm, riding the plough horse and helping in the fields. This early exposure instilled a lifelong love of farming and horses.  The family later moved to North East, Maryland, where Bill worked on their farm, milking cows and baling hay until the dairy operation closed.

An accomplished athlete, Bill stood out in soccer and softball during his school years and continued competing into adulthood. He was also an avid hunter who cherished working with his hunting dogs. In later years, golf became a shared passion for Bill and Betty, and they played well into their eighties.

Bill had many hobbies and talents. He restored his beloved 1950 Mercury with great care and passion. In retirement, he fulfilled a long-held desire to learn music, teaching himself to play the guitar and piano. His musical talent brought joy to family gatherings, especially during the holidays.

Bill Van Weaver will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his hardworking spirit, and his many talents. His legacy lives on in the lives of those he touched and the family he cherished.

Lovingly written by the family.