William H. “Bill” Folger Jr., 86, of Palmyra, PA, passed away on Jan. 20, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born on Aug. 5, 1938, in Wilmington, DE, Bill spent the last 50+ years in Palmyra, PA, in his beloved house on Eisenhower Road.
In 1956, he graduated from P.S. DuPont High School in Wilmington and, in 1960, he received his bachelor’s degree from Duke University. A very proud Duke alumnus, he pursued a career as an accountant and eventually retired from the State of Pennsylvania in 1997.
In addition to his love for Duke basketball (and all sports), Bill was a dedicated runner (over 4,000 consecutive days), avid reader and lover of literature (from Steinbeck to L’Amour to Bukowski), and social fixture/oracle with many great friends at Quentin Tavern and Parkside restaurants. He also traveled extensively and could provide first-rate insight into hidden treasures in places from Las Vegas to the Florida Keys!
He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Antoinette Marie Folger (d. 1987); his cherished daughter, Barbara Ann Folger (d. 2010); sister, Jean Folger Lyons (d. 2019); sister, Barbara Ann Folger Nolan (d. 2024); longtime companion, Susan J. Murray (d. 2019); and parents, William H. Folger Sr. (d. 1974) and Mildred Lloyd Folger (d. 1987).
He leaves behind his children, William H. Folger III (Heather), of Temecula, CA, and Stephanie Folger Hanford (Stuart), of Lebanon, PA. William was also a very proud grandfather to Taylor, Stuart, Nate, Skylar, Summer, Tyler, and Liam. In addition, he also leaves behind his best friend of over 50 years, Fran Bonenberger, who paid him daily visits for the last few years.
Services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org/).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra, PA 17022. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com.
