William “Bill” Calvin Marion, 70

William “Bill” Calvin Marion, 70, husband of Brenda G. (Johnson) Marion, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at his home in Gilbertsville.

Born in Hackensack, NJ, and raised in nearby Rutherford, he was the son of the late John Calvin Marion and Ruth (Long) Marion.

Bill graduated from Rutherford High School where he was a star athlete, especially in wrestling. He won many awards including Bergen County champion for his weight class two years in a row. His athletic success led him to West Chester State College where he majored in Physical Education. He received his Bachelors and Master’s degrees from West Chester and later went to the University of Pennsylvania to obtain his administrator certificate.

Family was his biggest joy in life. He especially enjoyed spending time with his two grandchildren who he nicknamed the king and the princess and who lovingly referred to him as “Bepa.” Golf was another big passion. After he retired, he enjoyed being part of the Brookside Geezer Golf group and a golf highlight was his visit to Pebble Beach where he had a private tour of the course. In his down time, he enjoyed gardening, caring for his yard and cars, cheering on the New York Yankees and spending time with his furry companions. He also greatly enjoyed taking family vacations and traveling with friends. Highlights include a trip to Normandy Beach to see where his father landed on D-Day and the trip to California with his family to celebrate his and Brenda’s 40th wedding anniversary. He spent his career in education, first as a teacher and then as a principal for a total of 34 years, most of which were spent at Spring Ford School District. His early years were spent in the Souderton and Owen J. Roberts School Districts. He was well respected and loved by those who had the privilege of working with him. Bill was a longtime member of Brookside Country Club and attended New Hanover United Methodist Church.

Surviving along with his wife Brenda of 48 years, is his daughter Kristyn M. McAghon, wife of Michael; his son Jamie Calvin Marion, husband of Judy; brother Douglas L. Marion, husband of Lynn; grandchildren Kieran John McAghon and Aislyn Grace McAghon. He was much loved by his extended family including his brothers and sisters-in-law, his many nieces and nephews and his furry companion, Bella. He is predeceased by his nephew Gregory T. Marion.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 21, 2022, at 11:00 AM at New Hanover United Methodist Church (2211 Swamp Pike Gilbertsville, PA 19525) with Pastor Gil Vining officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30-11:00 AM. A visitation will also be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022, from 6:00-8:00 at PM at Catagnus Funeral Home (1020 E. Philadelphia Ave., Gilbertsville, PA 19525). Burial will be held privately by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (https://www.nationalmssociety.org/) or to the Montgomery County SPCA (https://montgomerycountyspca.org/) in Bill’s name.

Add My Condolences

Dear Brenda and family,
I join the Rutherford High class of 70 folks in remembering Bill as a friendly and kind person. Wishing you the comfort of good memories and family at this hard time.

~ Jill Kedersha McClay
1/25/2024 4:46:10 PM

I am so very sorry for your loss. I graduated with Bill from Rutherford high school, and I just remember him to be a gentle and kind young man, and it sounds like that was his demeanor throughout his life. God bless you and give you peace as you miss him.

~ Susan Oakley Booker HUNTINGTN BCH, CA
1/25/2024 3:53:37 PM

Brenda and family; I was sorry to learn of Bill's passing this weekend. We were friends, classmates and team mates on the RHS football teams of 1967-69. He was a good man and I was glad to learn about his career and contributions to education. He will be missed.

~ Gary Trovillion Cincinnati, OH
11/20/2022 11:31:02 PM

Dear Mrs. Marion & family. I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a very kind principal who cared about his teachers and staff as well as the students. I was thankful to be hired by Bill in 2003 and enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere he created among us.

~ Mary Patton
10/19/2022 8:02:17 PM

I began with SFASD as the Art Specialist @ Spring City Elementary School in the late 1990s. Bill Marion interviewed and hired me for the Art position when the 'original' 5/6 building was about to open, leading to a wonderful 23-year career with the district. Bill was "The Real Deal"...a fantastic principal who had everyone's respect and admiration and who could never be replaced. My heart goes out to the Marion family for the loss of your dear husband, father, and Bepa. Keeping you in my heart and prayers...God Bless.

~ Cheryl Kramer-Zabrecchi READING, PA
10/19/2022 12:37:26 PM

Please accept my deepest sympathies. Mr Marion was a kind and wonderful gentleman.
I think he hired me because I was and still am a huge Yankee fan!! Rest In Peace. ??

~ Jackie Cameron Manford Pottstown, PA
10/18/2022 8:42:05 AM

Brenda, Krystyn Jamie and granchildren, we are so sorry for your tremendous loss. Despite all of Bill's challenges, he still had a special way to making people laugh. He enjoyed life to the fullest. It was obvious how much he loved you all. He will be missed by many but especially his family. Keep his memories close to your heart, laugh and cry but always remember his love.

~ Sandy and Alan Werstler Pottstown, PA
10/18/2022 8:12:50 AM

I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s death. As a former resident of Rutherford and a 1970 RHS graduate, I have many fond memories of him. We attended the same church and his dad was one of my Sunday school teachers. May your faith and memories provide comfort during this difficult time.

~ Vicki Shafer
10/17/2022 3:13:52 PM

To Bill’s family- please accept my sympathy….. I grew up going to Sunday School with Bill at the First Presbyterian Church in Rutherford, NJ, and later we were classmates at RJHS & RHS, Class of 1970. We met again at the high school Reunions in Rutherford, where he was always so friendly and happy to see everyone! Then we reconnected on Facebook, where I enjoyed seeing photos of your family…
~~Sue Culin

~ Suzanne Smith Culin
10/17/2022 11:11:16 AM

My sincere condolences to Bill’s family. I grew up across the street from Billy in Rutherford and remember him as a wonderful kid on the block, always covering our backs and being everyone’s friend. We reconnected on Facebook a few years ago and I was happy to see his joyful family and successful life. RIP old friend.

~ Pattie Finn Boudier
10/17/2022 10:30:13 AM

A true gentleman who had a positive attitude and never complained. His friends at Brookside loved him and will miss him.

~ Leo Dallas
10/17/2022 10:09:58 AM

So sorry to hear this news. Mr Marion and I go back along way to my early days of spinning vinyl in the upstairs Gym on Washington street in SF.. what a great guy who will be missed. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers..

~ Bob Cullum Pottstown, Pa
10/17/2022 9:52:25 AM

To Bill's beloved family: I am so sorry for your loss.
Mr. Marion hired me in 2005. I was a student teacher at 34 years old with three kids - not the typical new hire. He changed my family's life the day I got that much needed job. I will never forget how humble he was when I told him that. I am as grateful today as I was 18 years ago when he called me. His was a life very well lived. Thank you Bill Marion.

~ Marlene Kimble Audubon, pa
10/17/2022 9:45:47 AM

Dear Brenda and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come.

Our Deepest Sympathies,
Tony and Joy Rota

~ Joy and Tony Rota Boyertown, PA
10/17/2022 9:25:51 AM

Brenda and family. I have many wonderful memories of our boys practicing and playing youth ice hockey with the Timberline Wolfpack.

~ Dennis Dyer Wyomissing, PA
10/17/2022 9:20:39 AM

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Marion's family at this difficult time. Mr. Marion my very first principal and absolutely the best! I looked at him as a father figure and always wanted to make him proud! I have many fond memories of Mr. Marion and always mention how he was the one person who made my education career happen during a time where it was hard finding a teaching job. I wish that all the loving memories you hold in your heart bring you all some peace during this sad time. Heaven has gained another angel! God bless!

~ Jennifer (Donovan) McGlade
10/17/2022 8:53:55 AM

Brenda,my sincerest condolences to you and your family.Bill was a great teammate on our Rutherford HS football team playing on the line with him and a terrific neighbor.

~ Russell Holt
10/17/2022 8:53:06 AM

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

~ Vicky Henry
10/17/2022 8:27:08 AM

Dear Brenda,
I was Bill's librarian when he came to S-F. He was a great person to work with and for. I am truly sorry for your loss.

~ Maria Kardick
10/16/2022 9:13:14 PM

Mrs. Marion,
So sorry for your loss! I will keep you and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers ?? ??
Pat Romig-Cunnius

~ Pat Romig-Cunnius
10/16/2022 8:01:18 PM

Brenda, so sorry to hear about Bill! Our deepest condolences. Fondly, Bill & Judy Glasser

~ william glasser Bonita Springs, fl
10/16/2022 6:15:14 PM

Dear Mrs. Marion& Family, I was a substitute working in the cafeteria at Spring- Ford and he asked if I'd be willing to work more directly with the students and i said yes, He then called D. O. and I substituted for 20 yrs. till I retired in 2020.. God Bless you and your family.. He was a special man.. My Deepest sympathy Deborah L. Frock

~ Deborah Frock Spring City, PA
10/16/2022 3:20:44 PM

Dear Brenda and Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
Bill gave me an opportunity to join his staff in 1999. It turned out to be the most rewarding and enjoyable 10 years of my 30 years as an educator. He was always supportive, even when I screwed up. Usually he just commented,“that was stupid, don’t do it again.” That ended it!
Bill assembled the best staff in Springford School District over 10-12 years. I was extremely proud to be a part of that staff. Enjoy the 19th, Bill!

~ Denny Booher Orwigsburg, PA
10/16/2022 1:37:12 PM

Bill hired me first as a technology assistant. He encouraged me to become a teacher and hired me to teach weeks after obtaining a certificate. He knew his staff even better than they might know themselves. He was one very special man!

~ JoAnn Sibley
10/16/2022 1:05:38 PM

Brenda and family: So very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We will miss seeing him in the neighborhood. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you!!

~ Dale & Sharon Leister Gilbertsville, PA
10/16/2022 1:01:55 PM

Bill was a wonderful principal, and a kind man whose office door was always open to anyone, student or staff, who needed a helping hand or a understanding ear. Bill was a man with a big heart and infectious smile. Stay on the green, Mr. Marion.

~ Nancy Birtch
10/16/2022 11:43:26 AM

So very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He hired me in 1999. I enjoyed working with him for many years. He was the best principle I ever had. He will be dearly missed. Thinking of you and your family.

~ Laura mcquaid Royersford, PA
10/16/2022 9:01:33 AM

Janet and I are heartbroken to learn of Bill’s passing. His warm smile and devilish sense of humor brightened every moment we were ever lucky enough to spend with him. May your memories of his generosity of spirit forever light the rest of your own journeys through life. We are all richer for having known Bill.

~ Tom Werner Chester Springs, PA
10/16/2022 8:44:33 AM

Dear Brenda, Kristyn, and Jamie.
Please accept our deepest condolences on Bill’s passing. He truly was a great man, educator, and friend. His suffering is over. God bless your family as you work your way through these difficult times.
Respectfully
Dan (Slick) and Carole Kershetsky

~ Dan Kershetsky Leland, NC
10/16/2022 7:52:40 AM

My deepest sympathy to Brenda and family. Bill was such a wonderful man. May God bring you peace as you go through this difficult time. With love, Barbie

~ Barbara Marcks San Antonio, TX
10/15/2022 9:30:43 PM