William H. "Billy" Caccese

William H. “Billy” Caccese passed away suddenly on August 26, 2021 at the age of 74. He was born in South Philadelphia, PA to the late John and Ann (McCormick) Caccese on November 25, 1946.  His family would eventually move to the nearby suburb of Springfield (Delco) growing up in the newly constructed Colonial Park section of town. Billy enjoyed his childhood days among the open spaces and engaging in sports and the usual mischief with neighborhood children which included occasional crabapple and pea shooter fights.

Billy graduated from Holy Cross Elementary and Monsignor Bonner High Schools.  He served honorably for his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Navy. He toured briefly aboard the USS Little Rock after graduating boot camp.  He was most proud of his service as a crew member aboard the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ranger as an Aviation Ordnance Petty Officer 2nd Class.

Soon after his discharge, Billy met his soulmate, Patricia (Pat) Hannigan at the New Jersey shore and the rest is history. They married in 1973 and have remained faithfully by each other’s side ever since.  Billy retired as Duty Engineer HVAC at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center.  A consummate prankster, no shenanigans were too small for Billy to attain and no person (friend, family or co-worker) was ever in the clear. Billy enjoyed playing the guitar and was a skilled and passionate woodworker.  His Key West themed basement bar, renovated kitchen and back porch pay tribute to him every time you step into those rooms. Billy felt great pride and satisfaction watching his sons graduate from college and being able to work on restoration projects together. He recently began restoring antique radios and loved listening to nostalgic broadcasts and big band music through their speakers. Billy also shared a keen interest in the science of weather with his son and together they built a personal weather station in the backyard of the home.

Billy developed a keen interest in lighthouses, particularly along the coastline of the Outer Banks where he and his family vacationed together.  He immersed himself with history of the lighthouses and the light keepers who bravely weathered storms to keep them illuminated.  He lovingly passed on that knowledge to his children and great nieces and nephews each time they visited.  He had a unique perspective on everything and could strike up a conversation with anyone who wanted to listen.  He had a selfless gift of storytelling. His timeless accounts he shared from life experiences were authentic and genuine always captivating his audiences, young and old. 

Best described as a man who appreciated the simple pleasures in life, Billy found peace and comfort just sitting in his back yard watching and playing with his two rescue dogs, Jessie and Tucker or spending an afternoon picnic along the water’s edges of Marsh Creek, Green Lane Park or sipping Wawa coffee on a bench along Ridley Lake.  Billy was a walking encyclopedia of classic movies, TV and radio shows and science fiction films.  He loved pointing out notable scenes to the first-time viewer or stopping the DVR to show you a Hollywood star appearing in a lesser role during his/her early years.  In addition to all of this, Billy cherished his new role as grandpop and babysitter with the arrival of his grandson, Noah William.

Along with his loving wife and grandson, Billy is mourned by his devoted sons, Patrick (Jill) of Bushkill, PA and Ryan (Jeanette) of Holmes, PA. He is also survived by his brother Jack of Florence, NJ, and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 5PM O’Leary Funeral Home, 640 E. Springfield Rd., Springfield, PA 19064 and to his Funeral Service Thursday 7PM in the Funeral Home. Interment and military service will be held on September 13th, 2021 at 2PM at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or a local animal rescue of your choice. 

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