William "Bill" H. Griswold, III's Obituary
William Henry Griswold, III, “Bill,” beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on August 30, 2025, at the age of 94. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on November 9, 1930, he was the son of the late Ruth (Chapman) and William Henry Griswold, Jr.
A proud graduate of Cradock High School, Class of 1948, Bill went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Virginia. He continued his academic journey with a Master of Arts from New Jersey Teachers College in 1958 and later received his Master of Education from Rutgers University in 1964.
Bill served his country honorably during the Korean Conflict as a member of the United States Army’s 716th Military Police Platoon. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Following his military service, Bill dedicated his life to education. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as a public school teacher and coach, Supervisor of Physical Education for Wilmington Public Schools, Supervisor in the New Castle County School System, and ultimately retired as the Athletic Director at Concord High School. He touched countless lives through his commitment to education and athletics.
An avid sports fan and athlete, Bill played Division I football at UVA and was even drafted by the Baltimore Colts. However, his passion for education and devotion to his family led him to pursue a different path—one that enriched the lives of so many. He was a skilled bowler, an enthusiastic woodworker, and a devoted coach of youth football and baseball in his community. He loved connecting with people and could spark a conversation with anyone about anything.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Brooks Griswold.
He is survived by his three children: Lynn Fitzgerald (Mark), Susan Hannigan (Geoff), and William Griswold; his five cherished grandchildren: Jaclyn DiMascio (Chris), Sean Fitzgerald (Kelly), Bridget Hannigan, Will Griswold, and Sammy Griswold; and four adored great-grandchildren: Ellie and Derek DiMascio, and Josie and Greta Fitzgerald.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 528 E Stein Hwy, Seaford, DE 19973, where friends may visit beginning at 10:30 AM. Interment with military honors will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, DE.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM at The Manor House, 1001 Middleford Road, Seaford, DE 19973.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Bill’s name to the Samuel B. Griswold Third Party Funded Special Needs Trust c/o William R Griswold, Trustee, 123 Whistling Duck Drive, Bridgeville, DE 19933.
Please sign Bill's online guestbook located on this site.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE HAVE ALL FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS DELIVERED TO PARSELL FUNERAL HOMES, BRIDGEVILLE, DE, BY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH, BY 3 PM.
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