William J. Link's Obituary
William J. Link died at his home in Lewes DE on September 23, 2006. He was 89. Mr. Link was born in Philadelphia, PA, only child of William Everett Link formerly of Washington, DC and Mary Margaret (Mae) Luttrell Link Bateman formerly of Ireland and Philadelphia, PA. Beloved by grandparents Ellen M. and James Shields of Philadelphia and Stepfather David Bateman of Cape May NJ.
He was a member of St. Agnes Parish in Philadelphia, where he was baptized and completed elementary school. He graduated from Shaw Jr. High and West Philadelphia High School. He was previously employed at General Electric as a machinist. During the WWII, he was accepted into the submarine service, but the war effort required him to continue building submarines at Cramp's Ship Yard including the Escolar. He also worked at Brills and Budd Corporation, and was employed by Atlantic Refining (ARCO) for 33 years before retiring to Bechtelsville, PA in July 1981 and to Lewes DE in 1988.
He had a great love of all animals, especially dogs, horses and birds. He raised parakeets for many years. He was a humanitarian and good samaritan to his many friends and neighbors. He was active in Cub Scouts and CYO football at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish and the Boy Scouts in Philadelphia. He participated in Archbishop Prendergast High School Variety Show fund-raisers. He was also a member of Annunciation B.V.M. Parish in Havertown, PA, and Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Bally, PA as well as a member of the choir. At the time of his death, he was a member of St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes, DE. He participated in the Meals-On-Wheels Program, Lewes DE.
In addition to his parents, and wife, Anna (died July 14, 2006), he was preceded in death by three children, Baby Joseph Link, Baby David Link and Brian Patrick Link.
He is survived by 11 children: William Link, Philadelphia; Patricia Canby, Lewes DE; Dennis Link, Lansdale, PA; Judith Salvatore, Milton, DE; Joseph J. Link, Townbank, NJ; Gerard Link, Lititz, PA; Maryellen Fullmer, Lewes, DE; Loretta Link Esterly, Boyertown, PA & Lewes, DE; Raymond J. Link, Middletown, DE; Veronica Link, Milton, DE; Felicia Cannon, Milton, DE; 26 grandchildren: Christopher Link; Dennis Link Jr., Maureen Gray, Erik and Gina Link; Alicia and Laurea Salvatore; Emily, Patrick and Brian Link; Sean, Megan and Christopher Fullmer; Hannah Link-Fitzgerald, Liam and Seth Esterly; Kyle, David, Ethan, Evan and Alyssa Link; Ryan, Kellen, Tara, Erin and Justin Cannon; 6 great grandchildren: Jessica and Christine Link; Meredith, Andrew, Annemarie and Aidan Gray.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 12 Noon, Thursday, September 28 at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, Lewes, DE, viewing begins at 10 AM. Burial will be 11 AM, Friday, September 29 at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery, 1600 Sproul Road, Springfield, PA.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to "Priests for Life," PO Box, 14172 Staten Island, NY, 10314.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes, Lewes, DE.
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