William Ashmead – Bill – passed away in his Masonic Village apartment on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the age of 98.

Bill will be remembered by his three children – Bill Jr., Scott, and Lori, his seven grandchildren – Megan, Kelly, Kim, Danny, Julia, Michael and Linda, and his six great grandchildren – Marie, Maeve, Rory, Nora, Hank, and Leighton

Bill will be most remembered for his sense of humor, storytelling, and amazing friendships. He had an uncanny memory and was able to share details about events long after most of us had forgotten.  His generosity and thoughtfulness with family and friends gave him many lifelong connections.  

Here are a few highlights from a long life, well lived:

Bill was born and raised in Germantown and later Mount Airy and had fond memories of his stickball games near the railroad tracks.  He was a free range kid.

His father and grandfather had homes in Ocean City, NJ and he spent as much time as possible there.

Throughout his early adult life, he was a lifeguard in Ocean City, primarily on 12th and 14th streets.  He met his wife, Carole, on the beach at 12th street.   Their first date was to Charlie’s, where he played darts and she sipped on the beer that she hated. 

He spent MANY evenings in Somers Point with his lifeguard buddies, frequenting places like Bay Shores, Joe D’Orios, The Anchorage, and Charlies.

He graduated from Lehigh University and was an active member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.  He was truly a “guy’s guy!”

He served in the Merchant Marines toward the end of World War II and has many stories about life on the ship.

He married Carole in May of 1955 and they bought their first home together in “Hickory Terrace”, a brand new development in Lafayette Hill.  The home purchase price was $15,000

He was a true entrepreneur and started an insurance company in 1957.  It changed and grew throughout the years and currently, Ashmead Insurance Associates is a thriving business owned by his granddaughter, Megan. 

Bill loved any and all athletic endeavors; he played handball at the Germantown YMCA for many years, and he was a golfing member at Manufacturer’s Country Club.  He also loved coaching youth football for both the Penn Charter School and the Little Quakers.

As an offensive line coach, he enjoyed deep friendships with his fellow coaches, and they frequently traveled together to play teams in other states. 

Bill also coached Little League baseball at Miles Park, and baseball was his absolute favorite sport to watch – he rarely missed a Phillies game and had all the gear!

As a grandfather, he adored his grandchildren, and he attended many of their athletic events; he and Carole would set up their camp chairs and root from the sidelines.  

He single handedly kept Mallons Sticky Buns in business, buying dozens and dozens of boxes to send to all of his friends and family each year.  

He was a huge supporter and lover of WAWA; for years, he and Carole would go there every day to get their favorite treats, then sit in the parking lot and people watch. 

He cared for Carole throughout the years of her declining health, assisting with all of her needs.  They had celebrated 69 years of marriage when Carole passed in February of 2025.

Bill’s legacy is one of camaraderie, generosity, laughter, and connection. He made his mark on everyone who met him, and he will be greatly missed. 

A celebration of life for Bill and Carole will take place on Sunday, October 26 at 3:00 PM at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church 8855 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118

There will be a greeting time from 2:00-3:00 PM at the church before the service.