William (Bill) Sullivan Dewey, a proud veteran, devoted father and beloved family man, passed away at the remarkable age of 99.

Born in Birch Run, MI, Bill graduated from high school before attending Michigan State University and later serving his country in the United States Army.

Following his military service, Bill began a long career in the recreational vehicle industry in Michigan. He later moved his family to Pennsylvania as part of Tour-A-Home’s expansion and went on to work for Keystone Manufacturing, Imperial Travel Sales and Haulmark Trailers before retiring at the age of 86.

Even while working full time, Bill found time to pursue one of his favorite ventures of operating a farmers-market food stand and serving popular favorites at fairs and community events. While his children were growing up, he was active in Boy Scouts, volunteered as a Little League umpire and rarely missed an opportunity to watch his sons play baseball.

A natural salesman and storyteller, Bill was sharp-witted, outgoing and had a genuine gift for connecting with people. He enjoyed a good conversation and always seemed to have a story to share. Whether talking about his work, his years in Michigan, his many experiences during nearly a century of life or, most especially, his family, Bill could keep a conversation going and leave those around him with a story of their own to remember.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Ida Jean (Strom) Dewey; his sister, Norene Miller of Saginaw, Michigan; his eldest son, Bill; and his granddaughter, Hilary Westfall.

He is survived by his sisters, Agnes Wilinski and Mary Bell Ross of Birch Run MI; his children, Harry and his wife, Marsha; Barry and his wife, Krista; Kristopher; Jean Marie Traver and her husband, Scott; and Tim and his wife, Kendra. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Billy and his wife, Brittany; Kendra; Scott Traver Jr. and his wife, Danielle; Samantha Malstrom; Minnie; Holly Spelman and her husband, Michael; Brianna; Cody; and Brandon; along with many great-grandchildren, several cousins in Michigan, and many nieces and nephews.

Of all the things Bill accomplished during his 99 years, his family was a source of tremendous pride. He loved them deeply, followed their lives and accomplishments with great interest and spoke of them often and proudly.

Bill lived a long and full life—one marked by hard work, service, family and no shortage of stories. His legacy will live on in those stories, in the many lives he touched and, most of all, in the generations of family who will continue to tell them.

A graveside service will be held Friday, August 14, at 11:30 a.m. at Memorial Shrine Park, 1831 W. 8th Street, Wyoming, PA. Friends may call at the cemetery chapel beginning at 11 a.m. until the time of service. In memory of Bill, the family desires contributions be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation c/o Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 1858, Merrifield, VA 22116 (please include Bill Dewey’s name with the donation) or via www.garysinisefoundation.org.