William Bell Maling “Bill” passed away at home in Green, Ohio on April 9, 2025, at the age of 91.
He was born on May 23, 1933 in Jamaica Plain, MA to the late George Croswell Cressy Maling and Marjorie Bell Maling.
Bill graduated in 1951 from Glen-Nor High School in Glenolden, PA. He served in the Naval Reserves and began work at Sun Shipbuilding and Drydock Co. in Chester, PA and J.J. Henry Co. in Philadelphia. He earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering, attending night school for eight years at Drexel University while raising his family. During his careaer at Sun Ship, he held several senior management positions including founding CEO of TOTEm Ocean Trailer Express, now TOTE Maritime, in Seattle, WA. He then became a Vice President at Sun Company in charge of Corporate Planning. He finished his career in Ohio as CEO of Sunohio Company (eventually ENSR), a Canton-based electrical/environmental services company.
In retirement, Bill returned to snare drumming, a life-long passion he began as a child. He played for 29 years with the Civil War-era Camp Chase Fifes and Drums of Columbus, OH and 25 years with the Revolutionary War-era Lancraft Fife and Drum Corps of North Haven, CT. He was a life member of Sons of the American Revolution, where he drummed in the local Color Guard, and The Company of Fifers and Drummers. He was also a fund raiser for several organizations and is a life member of the MAPS Air Museum in Green, OH. Bill was an active golfer, skier, tennis player and loved yardwork with his cats, especially Fergus. His best love was family, who will remember him for a lifetime of summers in Avalon, NJ, sand sculpting, eating crabs and lobsters, drum corps events and family gatherings. He produced an extensive genealogy record as an enduring legacy for his family.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dr. George C. Maling Jr.; first wife of 39 years and mother of his children, Ruth Paul Maling; and beloved granddaughter Rebecca A. Maling.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marla Jeane Motter Maling; children, Susan (Larry) Zarbo of Rocky Hill, CT, Sherry (Lee) Weersing of Kennett Square, PA, Leslie Lunsford of Greenville, SC, Glenn (Dale) Maling of North Canton, OH, and Steve (Sara) Maling of Landenberg, PA. He dearly loved and was proud of his 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren who knew him as their “Sir.” He is also survived by many Motter relatives including; 12 special nieces, nephews and Godchildren.
At Bill’s request there will be no service. Please consider a donation in Bill’s memory to Lancraft Fife and Drum Corps, 62 Clark Ave., North Haven, CT 06473-0028.
Originally posted at https://www.schermesserfh.com/obituary/WilliamBill-Maling