Obituaries

William H. Shawcross, 95

November 15, 2018

William H. Shawcross, 95, of Willow Street, passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at Lancaster General Hospital. He was the loving husband to the late Mary (Nicholson) Shawcross and Elizabeth (Smith) Shawcross.

Born in Port Washington, NY he was the son of the late Percy Henry and Lillian Mae (Sellex) Shawcross.

A proud Veteran, William served with the United States Navy from 1942-1975 as an Aviator and retired at the rank of Rear Admiral. He was a respected and admired husband, father, grandfather and Naval Officer.

He was born and raised in the Episcopalian Faith and was a member of the Willow Street U.C.C. William had a love of travel and golf and was known for his technology savviness.

He is survived by his children: Susan (Bruce) Bradford of MT, Gail (Foster) Hines of CA, Nancy Shawcross of GA, William (Linda) Shawcross Jr. of N.C; stepchildren: Nancy Geyer, Barbara Kisken, William Haas, James Haas, Steven Haas; six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great-great grandson. He was preceded in death by a sister, Joan Maxon of Albany, N. Y.

Private burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, N. C.

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Condolences to the Family

November 09, 2019

RAdm Shawcross was my commanding officer aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Coral Sea, CVA43. He had taken command a few months before my coming aboard on 6 June 1967. I never actually met the, then captain, of my ship, but saw him frequently touring the ship. I knew him to be a competent commanding officer, fair, and kind. He took us through some harrowing experiences while on duty in the Vietnam combat zone in the Tonkin Gulf. I was a young man of 19 years at the time. I am now approaching my 72nd year. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Albert Bodt, M.D.

December 21, 2018

My Heart and Thoughts and are with everyone here.
Bill was a Great man.
I am proud to have known him.
Proud as a fellow Veteran.
Endearing, as he and my Mother found love and companionship in both their second marriages.
Proud to have been included in Shawcross family gatherings.
Sad to see a guiding light pass away.
Happy to know we all emulate his ability to grow and learn.
Sincerely, Steven Haas

December 14, 2018

We are so sorry of your loss.  Keith met with Bill most every day at the cultural center where friends would gather at Willow Valley.  We also saw him at church regularly.  He has been missed tremendously.  We had a birthday party for Bill’s 95th in our home and I have some pictures of that event and didn’t have an email to send them to so if you could send that to us at mink16335@gmail.com we will pass the pictures on to you.

December 05, 2018

CAVU, Uncle Bill. 

November 25, 2018

It is remarkable when you are age 95 and you are best known for your technical savvy, your incredible memory recall and your quick sense of humor.  Everyone loved this man just as they did when he was flying naval aircraft in intense operations.  Though he endured lots of pain common among senior seniors, you could never tell by his social schedule or the fellow coffee drinkers attracted by his stories and sense of humor. He was conversant in more subjects than many junior friends, but he was lacking conceit.  What a wonderful role model for young folks who want to have fun growing old!

November 20, 2018

We at Kelly Cadillac are saddened to hear of the Admiral’s passing. While he was a great customer, he became a friend to all of us at the dealership. We will miss his wit, the stories he shared with us and his presence in our lives. Our lives have been enriched by knowing him. Rest in Peace Admiral.

November 19, 2018

Bill was an officer and a gentleman. Rest In Peace. I am so glad I had the privilege to get to know you. I will remember you with fondness    
Sincere sympathy to Bill’s family at this sad time. 
MaryLou Hill

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