William Wallace “Bill” Gingerich, born in Middletown, PA, in 1929, passed away peacefully at his home in Cummaquid, MA, on April 8, 2023, at the age of 93.

William graduated from Bucknell University as a Civil Engineer in 1951. Settling in Westfield, NJ, he spent his career designing and building the docks, piers, and bridges of New York Harbor, ultimately as President of Simpson and Brown, Inc. He also served in the U.S. Army where he helped complete the surveying and mapping of Alaska’s North Slope.

Having spent summers on Cape Cod since 1963, William retired to Barnstable in 1992 with his wife, Edythe Ferns Gingerich, who was the love of his life for 68 years. Together they became active members of South Congregational Church in Centerville, developing dear friendships through their numerous volunteer activities. William enjoyed sailing, tennis, and swimming the perimeter of Bearse’s Pond. For many decades, he and Edythe hosted annual family reunions where cherished memories were made among four generations of relatives, and where their love for their large family was felt by all.

William’s greatest gift was his genuine interest in others. He engaged family and strangers both with a warm smile and sincere curiosity. His gentle questioning would invariably reveal things worth celebrating, and he left all who spent time with him feeling buoyed by the positivity he so effortlessly shared.

William is survived by his four children: Kathryn Byrnes, Barbara Gingerich, William J. Gingerich, and Christy Parizeau; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his lifelong friend and sister, Marjorie Gingerich Fassett.

William lived humbly with a strong and defined moral character. Offering advice and a message of hope for future generations, he encouraged his grandchildren to “Follow the examples of the older generation and believe in the Christian way of life”.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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