William Frederick Rush (Bill), of Wilmington, DE passed away on January 1, 2024.  Born in Carlisle, PA in 1939, he was the son of the late Sarah Elizabeth (Vale) and Frederick Fox Rush.  William is survived by step-daughter, Janne Erbe and her daughter in Virginia. Also, his brother, Thomas Vale Rush and his wife Diane of Littlestown, PA, and their children, Derek Vale, Bradley Colin and Adriane Meredith in Maryland, with their five children.

Bill graduated from Phoenixville Area High School (PA) and Goldey Beacom College as well as serving in the Marines.  He was an accountant by profession and spent time working for DuPont, Diamond State Securities (for whom he also served as Assistant Secretary), and Piane Caterers prior to his retirement.  He took pride in manually completing his taxes.

Bill was a 50-year member of the Y.M.C.A. and was a lifeguard and water fitness instructor.  He loved swimming and being active physically.  He would be seen swimming at the Y early mornings and walking in the neighborhood and in Bellevue State Park.  Camp Tockwough in Maryland was a favorite of his and he had a cabin in his family name.  Socially he enjoyed travel, dancing, card playing, attending high school plays and games.  He was an avid supporter of Candlelight Theater for decades, sitting at a front table.  He dearly loved his rescued dog Crystal from the Delaware Humane Society.

Bill was a very generous man, funding a park for the Cumberland County Historical Society of Carlisle (PA).  His charity included significant financial support to the YMCA and the Nature Conservancy for land preservation in Delaware to help wildlife, among other causes.

Burial will be held privately in Westminster Cemetery in Carlisle, PA.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held at the Brandywine YMCA, 3 Mt. Lebanon Road, Wilmington, DE 19803 on February 20th from 10 a.m. until noon.