William F. Tell, 93

January 09, 2014

William F. Tell, 93, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on January 9, 2014, at Pleasant View Retirement Community in Manheim, PA.

Born in Passaic, NJ in 1920, he was the son of the late John Martin Tell and Gizella (Purman) Tell. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Eleanor K. (Elmes) Tell.

A 1948 graduate of Rutgers University, with a major in Business Administration, Bill served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a First Lieutenant and Navigator. His career as a manager with Sears, Roebuck & Company took Bill and his family to serve in positions in New Jersey; Dover, DE; Bethlehem, PA; and finally to settle in Lancaster, PA as the Store Manager in Park City Center. He served as the President of the Rotary Club of Lancaster. He was heavily involved on the Heart Association of Pennsylvania Affiliate Board of Directors. He was a board member of the Boy’s Club of Lancaster. He had many years of service for the Lancaster-Lebanon Council of Boy Scouts, and received the Silver Beaver Award. He was Vice-Chairman and board member of the Lancaster County United Campaign.

Bill enjoyed golfing, playing cards, singing in full voice, and travel. Bill lived in Sun City Center, Florida upon his retirement for several years prior to moving back to Lancaster to be closer to family.

Bill is survived by his five loving children in Lancaster: William Tell (Phyllis), Pamela T. Elliott (Lloyd), Sharon L. Tell (Jeffrey), Patrick J. Tell, and Kathleen G. Tell, 14 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren.

The Tell family sends a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Pleasant View Retirement Community for the loving care they gave to Bill over the last few years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, January 13, 2014 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603 with Rev. Michael Messner as Celebrant. The Tell family will receive friends Monday from 10:30AM-12 PM at the church. Interment will be held at Conestoga Memorial Park Mausoleum. Flowers will be received at the church or memorial contributions may be made in William’s memory to the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster, P.O. Box 104, Lancaster, PA 17608.