William “Bill” Diehl

WARE, Mass. – William “Bill” Diehl, 87, passed away peacefully on Sept. 26, 2023, after a long and fulfilling life. He was born in Lewiston, Maine, on Nov. 1, 1935, to Charles and Ruth (Canham) Diehl. Bill lived most of his life in Maine where he attended Farmington High School and the University of Maine, Orono. Combining his love for country and for music, he served in the Army from 1955-1957 as a member of the 55th Army Band in Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Bill became a teacher and taught math and biology in several Maine schools, including the Walton School in Auburn, Lisbon High School, Hebron Academy, Dexter High School, and Durham Elementary School. After retiring from teaching in the public schools, he worked as a teacher for the Adult Education Program in Lisbon, Maine. A lifelong musician, Bill played drums and percussion in the central Maine area for most of his life. Following his father, Bill was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge.

Bill married Geraldine (King) Diehl in 1966, and while studying for his Masters of Education at Penn State, they were blessed and surprised with twin sons, Brian and Bruce. Gerry suffered from early onset Alzheimer’s disease and Bill lovingly became her caregiver until her death in 2004. Not one to sit still, Bill then filled his days with woodworking, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, playing percussion and spending time with family. He was fortunate to find a new partner, Millie Hatch, with whom he fulfilled his dream of visiting Hawaii and attending a Rose Bowl Parade.

Bill is survived by his brother, Richard (Rhoda), his sons, Brian (Julie) and Bruce (Diane) and three grandsons Sean, Jeremy, and Paul, cousin Ruth Ann (Dave) Leipold, and many nieces and nephews.

The family of Bill wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Cedarbrook Village in Ware, Massachusetts, for their kind care.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to The Ashlar Lodge #105 Scholarship Fund (1021 Turner St., Auburn, ME 04210), The Alzheimer’s Association, The Dementia Society of America or a charity of your choice.