William Lawrence Diehl

William “Bill” Diehl, 87, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2023, after a long
and fulfilling life. He was born in Lewiston, Maine, on November 1, 1935, to Charles and
Ruth (Canham) Diehl. Bill lived most of his life in Maine where he attended Farmington
High School and the University of Maine, Orono. Combining his love for country and for
music, he served in the Army from 1955-1957 as a member of the 55th Army Band in
Fort Polk, Louisiana.
Bill became a teacher and taught math and biology in several Maine schools, including
the Walton School in Auburn, Lisbon High School, Hebron Academy, Dexter High
School, and Durham Elementary School. After retiring from teaching in the public
schools, he worked as a teacher for the Adult Education Program in Lisbon, Maine. A
lifelong musician, Bill played drums and percussion in the central Maine area for most of
his life. Following his father, Bill was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge.
Bill married Geraldine (King) Diehl in 1966, and while studying for his Masters of
Education at Penn State, they were blessed and surprised with twin sons, Brian and
Bruce. Gerry suffered from early onset Alzheimer’s disease and Bill lovingly became her
care-giver until her death in 2004. Not one to sit still, Bill then filled his days with
woodworking, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, playing percussion and spending
time with family. He was fortunate to find a new partner, Millie Hatch, with whom he
fulfilled his dream of visiting Hawaii and attending a Rose Bowl Parade.
Bill is survived by his brother, Richard (Rhoda), his sons, Brian (Julie) and Bruce
(Diane) and three grandsons Sean, Jeremy, and Paul, cousin Ruth Ann (Dave) Leipold,
and many nieces and nephews.
The family of Bill wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Cedarbrook Village in Ware,
Massachusetts, for their kind care.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may
be made in Bill’s memory to The Ashlar Lodge #105 Scholarship Fund (1021 Turner St.,
Auburn, ME 04210), The Alzheimer’s Association, The Dementia Society of America or
a charity of your choice. Cebula Funeral Home of Ware is assisting Bill's family with the final arrangements.  For more information and an online guest book, please visit:   www.cebulafuneralhome.com .

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