William James Paffett Jr.'s Obituary
William J. Paffett Jr. “Bill”, age 43 of Georgetown, DE, died peacefully, surrounded by love, at his home on Saturday, April 29, 2023, of peritoneal cancer, a battle he waged with great courage and grace. He was born on October 2, 1979, in Media, PA, son of William “Bill” and Kathleen (Burns) Paffett.
Bill grew up in Drexel Hill, PA and graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in 1997. Following graduation, he attended Pennsylvania Institute of Technology for Mechanical Engineering. He attained his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Drexel University. Bill worked as a structural engineer at Keystone Helicopter and Sikorsky. For the past six years, he was the principal structural engineer at Aloft AeroArchitects in Georgetown, DE.
While Bill enjoyed sports and even played a few, golf was his favorite. When his friend Kevin invited him to “hit a few balls” one day, a 17-year-old Bill reluctantly agreed. Despite never having picked up a club before, he found his passion by the end of that day. Bill was thrilled to attend the US Open with his dad, held at Merion Country Club in 2013, as well as the 2014 US Open at Pinehurst with his longtime friend, Brendon “Murph”. While watching the Masters’ this year, he commented that his ideal foursome would be himself (of course), Charles Barkley, Bill Murray, and President Obama. Winning wasn’t as important as having a lot of laughs! Upon his move to Delaware, Bill joined Mulligan’s Pointe Country Club, making wonderful memories golfing with great friends, RJ and Shawn.
In addition to his parents, Bill is survived by his beloved wife of eleven years, Maria J. (Garcia) Paffett; his sisters: Kathleen Paffett and Hilary Anders (Brad); his nieces: Charlotte and Thea Anders; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chris and Maggie (Garcia) Taylor and their son, Max Ocampo; and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and faithful friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 3:00 PM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Dodd-Carey Chapel, 307 North Bedford Street, Georgetown, DE, where friends may visit beginning at 2:00 PM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Chenoa Manor, 733 Glen Willow Road, Avondale, PA 19311, or www.chenoamanor.org.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3PM FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023 TO OUR GEORGETOWN LOCATION.
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