William H. Bryson

William H. Bryson, 81, of Christiana, PA, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025 at the Lancaster General Hospital in Lancaster, PA. He was the beloved husband of Lori J. Hess Bryson with whom he shared 31 years of marriage. Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late Calvert M. Bryson and Dorothy Kauffman Bryson.Bill was an area resident all his life and a 1963 graduate of the Octorara Area High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served from 1963 to 1967 during the Vietnam War era. After honorable discharge, he attended college Delaware County Community College earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice leading to becoming the police chief of Atglen, PA.

 Bill also joined the Fire/EMS services beginning his lifetime of community service. Bill was a jack of many trades during his lifetime. He worked in the mushroom industry during college, he owned a restaurant Jack’s in Cochranville, PA, was a safety administrator for Action Manufacturing and Tyson Foods, worked for Walter and Jackson, Christiana, PA and ended his working years driving bus for Althouse Transportation. Bill served in various roles in the fire service and retired out of community service as the president of the Christiana Fire Company after many years of service with Kennett Square, Longwood, and Cochranville Fire Departments. In addition to his service in emergency services he was also a member of the Pennsylvania Freemasons Skerrett Lodge No. 343 and was a member of the Reading Shrine.

He was retired since Spring of 2022. Bill enjoyed spending his free time at his camper at Tuckahoe Acres riding his golf cart and enjoying time with his friends and family.

He is survived, in addition to his wife, by one daughter Dana Bryson Benn and husband Chris of Brunswick, Georgia, one granddaughter Danica Benn and a devoted brother-in-law, Terry Carolus of Cochranville, PA. Bill and Lori were also 2nd parents to Lori’s twin sister, Lynn Blevins children. Megan Ross of Christiana, PA (husband Michael), Emilee Blevins of New Providence, PA (husband Michael Novack), and Heather Blevins of Christiana, PA. He was preceded in death by one sister Sherry Carolus (of Cochranville).

A Celebration of Life Service is being held at the Christiana Fire Company, 214 S. Bridge St. Christiana, PA 17509, on November 22, 2025 at 2:00 with a flag presentation at 2:30 by the United States Air Force. Graveside service will be at the convenience of the family at the Cochranville United Methodist Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg, PA. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com