It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loved one, Richard “Bill” Mortimer on Monday, January 1, 2024.

Bill passed peacefully in his sleep at Mullica Hill Inspira after a hard-fought battle with kidney complications.  He was a longtime resident of Woodstown but had lived in Alloway for the last 36 years.  Bill had just turned 76 on December 1st.

He was known to his large clan of cousins from coast to coast as the “soft-spoken” Mortimer, was admired for his strength and grace through a lifetime of physical discomforts and was a role model to us all in the art of aging gracefully.

He is survived by his constant companion and steadfast wife, Marilyn (Welch), his brother, Dave (Carolyn), and his sister, Bonnie (Roggio).

He was predeceased by his parents, Dick and Millie Mortimer, and his sister, Elaine (Shidner).

Bill was a graduate of Woodstown High School Class of 1965.

Always one to honor friendship, Bill still counts his childhood neighbors from North Main Street and his classmates from high school as lifelong friends.

He was employed by the Prudential Insurance Company of Millville as a claims processor for many years but if asked, would more likely say his favorite full-time job was supporting his local professional sports teams: the Eagles, the Phillies, the Flyers, and the 76ers.

Bill was a keen supporter of the up-and-coming athletes as well and attended many minor league ball games and the Flyer’s minor leagues Bears games in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Bill’s countless first cousins, second cousins, nieces and nephews, and the great-nieces and nephews too, marvel at his collection of magazines, newspaper articles, posters, and memorabilia on display in his sports room.  He was a great sports conversationalist and could share some wonderful stories filled with knowledge and sports trivia.

Always an avid woodworker in his garage – turned – workshop, Bill discovered a hidden talent in recent years.  He picked up a paintbrush and began painting his beloved sports teams‘ logos and mascots on rustic barn boards and hand-built birdhouses and garden/Christmas ornaments. He became a familiar figure at local craft festivals, and the countless gifts that he had shared with family and friends of all generations have now become more cherished than ever.

But everyone who knew Bill best would probably agree his happiest place was heading across a bay driving the fishing boat he owned for many-many years. He and Marilyn pilgrimaged to Ocean City, New Jersey every summer, and his boat was always docked in the local boat yard waiting for him and his fishing buddies to head out to open waters for flounder, stripers and bluefish. Not only did he love fishing he was darn good at it too. His generous heart was there again when he passed out fresh fish upon his return to town.

Family meant everything to Bill. His final peaceful hours were spent looking over photographs on family Christmas cards and admiring a hand colored get well card, then chatting with the family matriarch, Miss Patsy, leading us all from Louisiana, with her wisdom, guidance and love.

Bill will be remembered for the great big heart he always wore on his sleeve and redefines the family motto, MORTIMER STRONG.

We will miss his keen and constant interest in all of the nieces and nephews school and sports activities. Lucky was the child who knew him as a baseball coach in his younger years.  He was always ready to watch a game, attend a game or coach a game, and now the family imagines him sprinting around those bases like he always wanted to do.

Fly, Bill, fly.

Heaven now has another angel in the outfield.

Join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 6 2024 at Creekside Inn Pavilion, 137 East Avenue, Woodstown, NJ. Family Gathering 1 -2 pm followed by a baseball theme picnic 2 – 5pm. Phillies / favorite team attire encourage.

The family would like to thank all the friends, neighbors and loved ones who have provided warm meals, phone calls of support, love and prayers. You all made a difference. We are grateful as well to all of the professional and private health caregivers who brightened Bill’s days along the way.

In lieu of flowers you can reach out to Marilyn about information on how to donate to a memorial bench in his honor at Marlton Recreation Field.