William J. “Bill” Gildea, 92, of Cornwall, PA, formerly of Bridgewater, NJ, and Newtown, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025. Bill married his loving wife, Elizabeth J. “Betty” (Shandoff) Gildea, on Oct. 24, 1959, in Glens Falls, NY. They celebrated 64 happy, loving years together prior to Betty’s passing on Jan. 3, 2024.
Born in Walloomsac, NY, Bill was the son of the late Samuel and Letitia (Dinsmore) Gildea. After graduating from Hoosick Falls High School in 1949, Bill proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Midway from January 1951 through November 1954. He then attended Hudson Valley Technical Institute in Troy, NY, graduating in 1956 with an associate’s degree in applied science (electrical technology). Bill worked for AT&T for 31 years in various locations (Glens Falls, White Plains, Kansas City, NYC/WTC, and Bedminster) and retired in 1987. Bill and Betty moved to Newtown, PA, where Bill spent his retirement working at the Newtown Hardware House, helping the customers solve their hardware and home repair needs.
Bill was active in the Methodist Church, serving for many years as a trustee, frequently volunteering wherever needed at the church, and helping with youth activities and missions. Bill enjoyed woodworking, including making rocking horses and doll houses for his grandchildren. After moving to Cornwall Manor in 2005, Bill was active in the wood shop and enjoyed helping neighbors with various projects, including caning chairs. Bill and Betty spent many evenings playing cribbage and dominoes with friends and family. Together, they enjoyed life at Cornwall Manor and the many friends they made there over the years.
Bill is survived by his daughters, Stephanie (Charles) Muggleworth, of Clifton, VA, and Morgan (Randolph) Mahl, of Easton, PA; daughter-in-law, Kathleen (Michael) Gildea; grandchildren, Aaron Mahl, Riley Mahl, Alyssa (Benjamin) Weaver, Samuel Muggleworth, Kathryn Muggleworth, and Joshua Gildea; great-grandchildren, Alexa and Matthew Mahl; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins in the U.S., England, Ireland, Canada, and South Africa. Bill also leaves behind Betty’s cousin, Susan (Gary) Bitner, of Cornwall Manor, with whom our family has spent much time and whom we truly cherish.
In addition to his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his son, Michael Gildea; parents; sister, Elizabeth Seney; brother-in-law, Leonard Seney; brother, John Gildea; sister-in-law, Irene Gildea; and nephew, Lawrence Seney.
A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to Cornwall Manor Benevolent Care, cornwallmanor.org, in gratitude for the loving care given to our parents and the residents of Cornwall Manor Health Center, or to the Cornwall Manor Society.
