William Bill Gede's Obituary
William Andrew (Bill) Gede, 79, of Dover, DE passed peacefully at this
home, December 29, 2017. He was born December 31, 193 7, in
Washington, D. C. at Walter Reed Hospital, the son of the late Rudolph A.
Gede and Bessie (Driscoll) Gede. He was also preceded in death by
brothers Robert Gede and Melvin (Jack) Gede.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sue (Jovenall) Gede.
A retired local businessman, he was a 1957 graduate of Towson High
School, Towson, Maryland. For two years he attended Towson State
Teachers College where he majored in Art Education. His high school and
college years he was an avid athlete, participating in and lettering in trackfield,
lacrosse and soccer. He held the 1958 all-time high score record five
firsts in the dual track meet for that year at Towson State Teachers College.
In 1961 Bill enlisted in the United State Army and served as traffic analyst
in Turkey and Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1964.
During time off from high school and college summers, and after his
discharge from the Army, Bill developed a passion for the water while
working on charter boats in Ocean City, Maryland. Every opportunity of
free time, every marlin tournament he was able to participate, Bill was on
the boats, usually serving as first mate. Taking him out of the ocean waters,
his wife taught him to fresh water fly fish, and this became his life's leisure
activity and led the couple to buying a second home on the Pennsylvania
trout waters of Spring Creek.
In addition to fishing, Bill enjoyed oil painting, charcoal drawing, nature
photography, and reading Civil War histories. Smoking a good cigar,
drinking a good glass of red wine and spending time with family and friends
rounded out Bill's activities.
Various community organizations he was active in included Rotary, Jaycees,
Boy Scouts of America, coaching and assisting YMCA youth soccer
leagues, Wesley College lacrosse and Caesar Rodney High School lacrosse.
In 1969, from a single warehouse on 621 West Division Street, Dover, DE,
Bill nurtured Wade/Gede Insulation to his stepping aside as owner-president
in 200 1. His company had insulated chicken houses to high rises.
Wade/Gede Insulation had installed ceiling tile, rain gutter, fireplaces and
windows. Fleets of Wade/Gede Insulation trucks plied the shore from
Delaware to Virginia to New Jersey. Eventually the company was sold, but
a few trucks still the bear the Gede name.
Along with his wife, Bill is survived by a son, Mark Andrew Gede and his
wife, Alexis, of Smyrna, Delaware; and two daughters, Stacey Lynne Gede
of Camden, Delaware, and Kimberley Sue Gede, of Magnolia, Delaware.
Brothers who survive him are Donald Gede and his wife Lola, of McLean,
Virginia, and James Gede with his wife, Mary of Reisterstown, Maryland.
Bill is also survived by three grandsons and two granddaughters, Stephen
Campagnini III and his wife, Brittinie; Michael Campagnini, Nicholas
Campagnini, Gina Campagnini, and Kendal Gede. He is also survived by
two great grandsons, Stephen Campagnini IV and Leo Campagnini. Bill
will be also be missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Trader Funeral Home 12 Lotus Street,
Dover, DE 19901 on January 13, 2018 where visitation will begin at 10:30
am to 12:00 pm where an informal service will be starting right after. We
ask that all who attend Bill's Celebration ofLife to please dress very casual.
Burial will be held at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery 26669 Patriots Way,
Millsboro, DE 19966 on January 19, 2018 at 2:00pm. We ask all to please
attend.
In recognition of Bill's love ofNature, his wife and daughter Stacey have
had Y2 acre of trees reforested in the wild fire ravage forests of California.
Letters of condolences may be sent to www.traderfh.com
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?
