Obituaries

William D. Trowbridge

William Donald Trowbridge Jr., of Lancaster, Pennsylvania went to be with the Lord on May 8, 2018.

William was born to William Donald Trowbridge Sr. and Betty (Brown) Trowbridge in Reading, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Sinking Springs and graduated from Wilson High school. This is where his passion for playing and coaching athletics began. He was right guard of his high school football team and catcher for the baseball team. He was also in National Honor Society.

He went on to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he met his wife Caren (Hurley)Trowbridge and graduated with a degree in Psychology. Later he received a Master’s degree in Psychology at Millersville University. After graduation they relocated to Lancaster Pennsylvania and they married on March 18, 1972. This is where they started their family.

Bill was very active in the Mental Health field, working with adults that had mental and physical disabilities. He dedicated his life to helping those in need and giving them a purpose and a meaning in life.

He enjoyed cooking and baking where he loved trying new recipes and putting his own spin on the recipe. He was a man that when there was a problem around the house whether it be fixing a broken appliance or building a sun room or deck, he could get the job done. He was the original DIY-er (and this was before the internet).

His true passion was coaching his children and his grandchildren as they grew up playing baseball. He was a coach for the SWS program for 27 years. He was his children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan, always dependable and reliable in any situation.

His last years in life were spent battling cancer with dignity and courage. He was strong willed and handled his disease with unwavering hope and optimism.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Shannon (Trowbridge) Spahr, wife to Christopher; son W. Shane Trowbridge; son Jesse Trowbridge, husband to Mary; grandchildren Jordan, Laiken, Ashton, Treson, Maya, Colin, Ethan, Jeluna, William, Veda, and brother Rick Trowbridge.

There will be a Celebration of Bill’s Life on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 2:00 PM in the Lampeter United Methodist Church, corner of Village Road and Book Road, Lampeter, PA, with The Reverend Dr. John G. Smith officiating. The family will greet friends from 1:00 PM until the time of the service. We ask that you enjoy wearing casual attire.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a contribution in memory of William Trowbridge to the LG Health Foundation, P.O. Box 3555, Lancaster, PA 17604-3555. Please note on your check: ATTN: Anne Barshinger Cancer Institute.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page


Be sure to include your name

Please note that your condolence will not appear on this page until it is reviewed. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted.

Condolences to the Family

May 20, 2018

My name is Gail Martin. Bill worked with my late sister Barbara Baldwin through LARC at Lancaster Bible College. I believe my daughter & Shannon are around the same age- born in 1976. I am so sorry for your loss. Maybe he will meet up with Barb (and my parents and Barb’s twin Brenda) in Heaven. May God bless you with wonderful memories.
In sympathy,
Gail (Baldwin) Martin
Lititz, PA

Gail Martin

May 20, 2018

I learned of Bill’s death from a family member today and was saddened by the news. I knew Bill and his family when I served as a student pastor at Christ United Methodist Church. I enjoyed knowing Bill as a member of the church as well as a friend as he and Caren welcomed me into their home. God bless you all now and always. Peace

Randy Brubaker

May 17, 2018

My name is Joseph Felice and I am still in shock about bill dying he was a great man and I love him with all of my heart ???????? he will be in my heart forever.

Joseph felice

May 16, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I enjoyed the time I spent working with him. He always had a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. peace and comfort to his family.

nicole piper

May 16, 2018

I am deeply saddened by Bill’s loss. He was a dedicated advocate for people with intellectual disabilities and had an amazing sense of humor. I will always remember how easy it was for him to make me laugh in any situation. My thoughts and prayers to his family.

Amy Fish Knaus

May 14, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He will be remembered dearly by his friends and coworkers in Berks County. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Holly Barlet

May 14, 2018

I am saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Vic Poirier

Send Flowers Online

Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our six funeral homes in Lancaster County makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Downtown Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz, PA
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg, PA
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street, PA
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info