William Dmytrus

William Dmytrus (“Willie”, “Bill”), born to Wasyl and Mary, 87 years young, a lifelong resident of Claymont, DE, and the patriarch of the Dmytrus family passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Saturday, February 19th, 2022. 

Willie was a graduate of Claymont High School, class of 1952.  It was there that he met his love of 40 years, Sallie F. Dmytrus (Scott).  Willie and Sallie were married in 1955, shortly thereafter, Willie proudly enlisted in the United States Army.  After his service in the United States Army, Willie was employed by Claymont Steel, retiring after 30 years of service, and then for the Parks and Recreation Division of New Castle County, retiring after 15 years of service.

While Willie’s first love was always his family, his second was classic cars.  In his spare time, Willie could always be found working with his sons on a collection of cars within the family or proudly displaying his impressive 1936 Ford at car shows near and far.  Willie also had a love for all dances Polka and all things Polish and Ukrainian.  He was a Ford man, a class act, a gentleman, and devoted to his adoring family.

A few years after the death of his beloved wife of 40 years Sallie, in 2004, Willie ditched his work boots, dungarees, and sweatshirts and opting instead for a nice pair of loafers with no socks, dress slacks, and a polo shirt.  He became affectionately known as “Bill” to his partner and companion of 10 years, Jackie Raico.  The adventurous pair loved to travel, could be seen out and about in the Wilmington area most nights, dancing together at local festivals, and enjoying every single minute and tender moment that life had to offer them.  He lived life like a boss and on his own terms, he was fiercely stubborn, but as equally kind, he had a smile that went on for days paired an infectious laugh that could make anyone smile.

In addition to his partner Jackie Raico and her son Chuck Messick, Willie is survived by his sons: Daniel (Victoria) and John (Lara), his granddaughters:  Sara (Monica), Jacqueline (Avery), Tina (Jeremy), Christina (David), and Alyssa, his great-grandchildren:  Alyanna, Dominic, Olivia, Taylor, Parker, and Leif, in addition to many cousins and friends.  His parents, Wasyl and Mary, sister Barbara Dmytrus, and wife Sallie, along with other extended family members predeceased Willie. 

A viewing will be held on Monday, February 28, 2022 from 10:00am until 11:00am at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 800 W. Lea Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19802,  where a service will begin at 11:00am.  Burial will follow in Lawn Croft Cemetery, Linwood, PA.

In lieu of flowers and to remember and honor Willie, please consider donating to your favorite charity or doing a random act of kindness for a stranger.

To offer condolences, please visit:

Gebhartfuneralhomes.com

302-798-7726

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