William “Bill” Merritt McNamee

William Merritt McNamee, 84, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully with family by his side the evening of November 07, 2024. He was born in Havre de Grace, MD on May 25, 1940 to William W. McNamee and Dorothy Mae (Davison) McNamee, both long deceased.

Bill spent his career as an educator. He worked specifically as an Industrial Arts Teacher at Christiana High School in Newark, DE. He mentored countless students in architecture and engineering throughout his years as a teacher. His classroom was also known to be where the ski club gathered for meetings or to sharpen skis and various projects took place such as the making of the bee for a pep rally or a senior prank prepared.

In his free time, he was an avid skier, loved boating, traveling, and “making sawdust” in his shop. He had a passion for woodworking, especially duck carving and making furniture. He cherished the time that he was able to spend with his family, but especially his grandchildren. Anytime he could take them to his shop to bang nails, teach them to play pick up sticks or marbles, drive the lawnmower, go crabbing, drive a car, carve a turkey on Thanksgiving, or bartend was a good day.  Until his beloved wife, Barbara, passed away in 2020, they were ardent dancers.

William is survived by his children: Kelly Costello, her husband Jeff, Bill McNamee, and his wife India; several grandchildren: Lindsey, Kyle, Lauren, Katelyn Costello, and Ryan and James McNamee.

A burial will be held privately.