William Hackett

William “Big Bill” Hackett of Newark, DE died peacefully Tuesday, November 28, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born in Wilmington, DE in 1952. Bill is survived by his wife of 50 wonderful years, Carol L. (Garber); 8 children: William E. G. Hackett Jr. (Megan), Jon Hackett (Laurie), Charles Hackett (Jennifer), George Hackett (Katie), Jerry Hackett (Katie), Keith Ellis (Katie), Diana Marie Mingoia (Bobby), and Amber Hackett (Thomas); 25 grandchildren; brother, A. Kenneth Hackett Jr. (Karen); sister, Susan Smith (Thomas); and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Kenneth Hackett Sr. and Hannah “Nan” Hackett. He was a proud graduate of Dickinson High School, where he was captain of the football team. After high school, Big Bill worked at the family business, The Buffet Shop, in Stanton, DE. He later purchased The Buffet Shop from his father. He also worked as a manager for the dining services at the University of Delaware where he was a mentor for the many students he hired for 23 years. Bill and Carol met at Pappy’s Pizza. It was love at first sight, and they were married within a year. Big Bill enjoyed spending time by the water at his beach house, fishing and crabbing on his pontoon boat, and sharing meals with his family. He spent many weekends camping with his boys and their Scout troop. His favorite activities included spending time with his children and grandchildren, watching their sporting events, and working on his model trains with them. Bill was an active member of his church, the Wilmington Church of the Brethren, at one point serving on the Board. He also was proud of his membership of Masonic Lodge Armstrong No. 26 and the Nur Shrine. A visitation will be held Monday, December 4, 2023, from 6-9 PM at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Tuesday December 5, 2023, at 10:45 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in Bill’s name to the Wilmington Church of the Brethren, 27 Belmont Ave, Wilmington, DE 19804. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

William Hackett

August 21, 1952 - November 28, 2023

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