William R. England

William R. England

April 6, 1936 - January 6, 2023

     William R. England, 86, of Williamsburg passed away on Friday at home after an extended illness. He was born on April 6, 1936, in Newport, Rhode Island, the son of the late Foster W. and Frances C. (Saylor) England. The family moved to Williamsburg in 1946 where they purchased a dairy farm.

     Bill, as he was known to family and friends, was married for 64 years to Bertha (Ramirez) England, whom he wed in Douglas, Arizona, on June 20, 1958.

     He is survived by his wife and six children: Mark England, Laura England, Teresa Crawford (Barry), Maureen Kurtz (Mike), Keith England (Kara), and Brent England (Meg); 11 grandchildren: Andrea Ritchey, Taylor Ridgeley, Megan England, Matthew England, Haley Itle, Colin Kurtz, Allee England, Chloe England, Reese England, Jasmine England, and Charlie England; five great grandchildren: Evelyn and Amelia Ritchey, and Isaiah, Samuel, and Gabriel Ridgeley; and his beloved dog, Thor.

     He was preceded in death by a grandson, Kurt Mitchell England; a brother, Stanley England; and a sister, Diane Warren (Henry). He is survived by three brothers, Barry England (Diane), Fred England (Cindy), and Gordon England (Cindy), and a sister-in-law, Pat England.

     Bill graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1954. He attended Penn State University and graduated in 1959 with a degree in Geophysics.

     Bill worked for Phelps Dodge Copper Mining in Arizona, Schlumberger Oilfield Servicing in Texas, and the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Department, Naval Oceanographic Office in Washington, D.C., for which he traveled around the world. At age 34, he returned to his agricultural roots establishing his own dairy farm, Weeping-Hollow Farm, in Williamsburg until his retirement in 2009.

     In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and taking care of his fish pond. In prior years, he spent time skiing, riding his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, and flying single-engine planes, having received his pilot’s license from Altoona-Blair County Airport.

     Active within the dairy industry, Bill served on the boards of several agricultural organizations, including Atlantic Dairy Cooperative and as president of a Farm Credit board. In 1981, his family was recognized as Blair County Farm Family of the year, and in 1990 he received the Master Farmer Award. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children, all of whom grew up working on the family dairy farm.

     Bill also was active in his local community, serving as a director and president of the Williamsburg Community School Board and the Williamsburg Public Library. He also served on the local planning board and as judge of elections.

     At the request of the deceased, services will be private.

     Arrangements by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Williamsburg

     Bill gave generously to numerous charitable organizations. Contributions can be made in his memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Covenant House, Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Company, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.

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