Obituaries
William D. Hatfield, Sr., 78
April 23, 2020
William D. “Bill” Hatfield Sr., age 78, of Lancaster passed away Thursday, April 23, 2020. Bill was the beloved husband of Millie R. (Enck) Hatfield for 56 years. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Benjamin F. Hatfield and Dorothy I. (Chryst) Hatfield.
Bill graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School, class of 1960. He served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Viet Nam conflict. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lancaster.
Bill retired in 2001 from Amtrak where he was a Senior Division Engineer for the Northeast corridor. After retirement he worked for several years as a driver for the Manheim Auto Auction.
He enjoyed fishing, golfing and gardening, but his greatest love was spending time with his family.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his daughter, Jennifer, wife of Robert Wolf of Millersville and his son, William Jr., husband of Tanya (Kohler) of Lancaster. His grandchildren, Brandon Wolf, Amanda Wolf and Bryce Hatfield. Bill is survived by his siblings Brenda Balmer, Lessie Murse, Twila Hatfield and J. Hatfield and sister in law Dorothy Enck as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his siblings John Hatfield and Diane Haines.
Interment will be private at Conestoga Memorial Park, Lancaster. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19111.
A public memorial will be held at a later date.
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Condolences to the Family
August 26, 2021
So sorry for the family, i hope he enjoyed the retirement years.
Gerry Davis
May 01, 2020
Bill Jr and all the family:
I’m sorry for your loss. I hope your good memories help you at this time.
Ken Barton Sr
April 29, 2020
Sorry to hear the passing of Bill he was a very quiet man and very approachable during my tenure at Amtrak I know he will be greatly missed I can only say being part of NRPC for over 30 years “We are Family” for all of those who are retired and currently working.
Marcus P. Brunswick Sr.
April 29, 2020
Bill was a great person. He always saw the good in people. I was so lucky to have the good fortune to have worked with Bill.
Jerry Nangle
April 29, 2020
I was really sorry to hear about Mr Hatfield, a wonderful person and a gentleman I worked for him in the ET department. He never made you feel that he was better than you, was always there to help.God Bless him and his Family.
Jim Toadvine
April 29, 2020
Bill and I worked together since the middle 70s’. We met when he was the Asst Supvr at Lancaster and I was at Perryville. What a great person and a true Gentleman with a great personality. Over the years we met Millie and they met my wife, Barb. Bill was never too busy to give me a hand when I needed it. We were very sorry to hear of his passing. Millie, we will always remember him and keep him in our prayers. – John and Barb Buzzuro
April 29, 2020
Me. Hatfield was a in a league of his own honest, loyal, caring, respected, mentor, and a wonderful boss. He was just one of the beat men I ever met thank you for your morals and your values.
John Connell
April 29, 2020
Bill was a kind and gentle man. Bill gave me a great career opportunity in choosing me as the first female to hold a Staff Engineer’s position at Amtrak. I kept in touch with Bill over the years and literally had his retirement pictures to mail to him on my desk before we got the work from home order. I will mail them to you Millie. I’m so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great guy.
Linda Murphy
April 28, 2020
I was truly saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a friendly face to see at work and generously shared his railroad knowledge with the next generation. A true gentleman. Rest peacefully Bill.
Donald Herman
April 28, 2020
Bill was a pleasure to work with at Amtrak. Always a gentleman.
Charlie Duld
April 28, 2020
Our sympathy to Bill’s family. He was a kind gentlemen. May he Rest In Peace. Frank & Denise Fullmer
(Amtrak co-workers & golf buddy)
April 28, 2020
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Jess Gore (Grissinger)
April 28, 2020
Rest in Peace, Mr Hatfield – a one-of-a-kind gentleman and mentor who taught me so much about the craft I knew little about when I returned to Philly in 1991 – you always found the time to “school ” me, whether at a derailment, taking me to substations or to ET projects around the division. I truly am touched by your passing Bill, for you were an integral part and highlight of my railroad career. Few words can describe the utmost respect and thanks for the part you played in my life too and, having had the pleasure of being your “associate”, I know I am not alone in those feelings. You were again, one-of-a-kind, Mr Hatfield – RIP – and may your family find comfort and peace – “Mr Toadvine”…
April 28, 2020
Bill was always a gentleman and a fine railroader with the respect of all those that surrounded him. Thanks for your service sir, military and railroad. You live on fondly in our memories.
Lewis Bailey
April 27, 2020
Bill was one of the best bosse I ever had on Amtrak. He had my back several times when thing went wrong. A good man, Fair to his employees and always a pleasure to talk to. He will be missed.
Mike Salvatore
April 27, 2020
Dear Millie,
I was heart-broken when I read of Bill’s passing in today’s paper. I am truly sorry for your loss. You and Bill were the best neighbors ever when I lived next door for 13+ years. Bill was such a sweet man and helped me with so many things when I lived there. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.
Michele & Rick Hertzler
April 27, 2020
Dear Millie & Family
We are so sorry for your loss.
May God Bless you and guide you in the next days ahead.
Stan & Cindy Rambish
April 27, 2020
Millie,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. May God hold you and the entire family in His arms during this difficult time.
Randy & Mari Anne Smeltzer
(your neighbors at 65 S Pearl)
April 27, 2020
I’m real sorry to hear about Bill, I was glad to have met and play golf with him, he was truly a nice guy. Sincerely Gary Rowe
April 27, 2020
Dear Millie,
With a sad heart I read of Bill’s passing this morning! Many times I have thought of you both but never got around to visiting.
I was at work at the Manheim Auction and I saw a time card for William Hatfield? I found the lane he was working in but he wasn’t there? I talked with a couple of guys who knew him but it must have been about the time he left.
I kept checking the time card and it disappeared? May the God of all Glory Comfort you and your Family in the grievous loss.
Mike Stewart
