William D. Chronister

William D. Chronister, Jr., 72, of 1808 Windrow Dr., Lancaster, died Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Lancaster General hospital following a brief illness with liver cancer. His wife of almost 15 years, Connie (Zorn) Chronister, survives.

Born in York, he was the son of the late William D. Sr. and Jennie May (Smith) Chronister.

Bill graduated from York Catholic High School and received both his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from Millersville University.

He was a science teacher and planetarium director for 38 years in the Pequea Valley School District after starting his career at Ephrata teaching science and astronomy, retiring in 2004. He coached boys and girls basketball and soccer; helped start the golf program at Pequea Valley leading them to multiple section championships, and has been the assistant golf coach at Hempfield for the last 7 years. He was also an official for soccer, basketball and baseball.

Bill attended Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Lancaster and volunteered at the Lancaster Science Factory. He worked with the Lancaster County Junior Golf Tour, serving as a rules official. He enjoyed golfing, spending time with his family, building bird houses, landscaping, painting, and travelling.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son Jon A. married to Michelle (Snavely) Chronister, Lancaster; three step-daughters: Martie M. married to Tim Sprowls, Berlin, PA; Cece E. Merrill, Lancaster; Tina M. married to Andy Phillips, Yadkinville, NC; three grandchildren: Joel, Grace, Cody and a sister Margaret C. married to Robert Reed, Albuquerque, NM.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at 3 p.m. at The Groffs Family Funeral and Cremation Service, 528 W. Orange St. (corner of W. Orange and Pine Sts.), Lancaster with Pastor Timothy Mentzer officiating. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Wednesday from 1 – 3 p.m. Kindly omit flowers. If desired, memorials may be sent to the Lancaster Science Factory, 454 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, PA 17602. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.