A. WILLIAM D'EMILIO

A. William D'Emilio, 61, of Wilmington, died at home Thursday, January 7, 2010, with his family by his side after a long courageous fight against cancer.

Bill was born November 13, 1948, in Philadelphia, PA, son of the late Ethel Grace D'Emilio and Armand D'Emilio.

Mr. D'Emilio served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Compass Island during the Vietnam War. He was a longtime volunteer firefighter at Winter Park in Wilmington and volunteer EMT in Shallotte and Southport.

Bill loved helping others and touched the life of everyone he met. Through Bill's humor and his kindness it was impossible not to smile when you were with him. He was a good and loving husband, father, and friend.

Bill is survived by his wife of thirty-nine years, Barbara D'Emilio, daughter, Lindsey D'Emilio, son, Nicholas D'Emilio (Kristin), and sisters, Lucy D'Emilio and Debbie Natale.

A service celebrating Bill's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2010, at Andrews Mortuary Hampstead Chapel, 17730 Highway 17 North, Hampstead, NC, 28443. The Rev. Richard G. Elliott will officiate.

The family will receive friends at the mortuary from noon Monday until the service time.

The interment will follow in Sea Lawn Memorial Park (adjacent to the mortuary) with military honors being accorded by a United States Navy Honor Guard.

Memorial gifts in Bill's name may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28401.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com