William R Dellinger

William R. Dellinger, 56, of Mill Run, exchanged his cross for a crown Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, while surrounded by his loving family. Bill fought a long, courageous battle against complications that developed after he suffered a devastating stroke Dec. 26, 2007. Bill was born Oct. 15, 1952, in Confluence, a son of Albert and Leona Dellinger, of Markleysburg. He graduated from Uniontown High School in 1971 and was the proud president of the FFA. After graduation he joined the Navy where he served on the USS Intrepid during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1975. During this time he married the love of his life, Janet Richter, of Connellsville, and was happily married for 36 years. Bill was a dedicated employee of CSX Railroad for 31 years, where he served as a union representative. He was also the current president of the Springfield Township Volunteer Hose Company in Mill Run. Bill was a longtime member of Calvary Assembly of God Church in Connellsville. Bill is survived by his wife, Jan, with whom he celebrated 36 years of Marriage Oct. 7, 2008; daughters, Stephanie Griffith and husband, Mike, of Mill Run, and Chrissy Benton and husband, Steve, of White; a son, Bryce Dellinger, of Charlotte, N.C., and his fiancee, Leah Vilella; grandchildren, Kennedy and Hunter Griffith and Kaybree and Kira Benton; his parents; a sister, Sandy Gleason and her husband, Les, of Farmington; his wife's parents, Bernard and Betty Richter, of South Connellsville; sister-in-law, Cindy Hillen and husband, Jim; brothers-in-law, Butch Richter, Ron Richter, Don Richter and wife, Micki, and Larry Richter and wife, Darla, all of Connellsville; many nieces, nephews, cousins and honorary family members whose lives have been touched by "Cat Fish Willie." He is also survived by his granddog, Marley. Bill was predeceased by a brother, Bob Seese; and sister-in-law, Lorraine Seese, of Farmington.