William R. Marley, 87, of Easton died Tuesday, February, 12, 2013 in Easton Hospital.
Born: January 28, 1926 in Jackson, MS, he was a son of the late William and Geral Marley.
Personal: A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and Louisiana State University, he was an author, playwright and artist. Several of his plays were produced and performed both locally and in regional theatre throughout the country, winning several awards. He had also been a Color Design Director and served in the Navy during WWII.
Memberships: He was awarded lifetime membership to the Color Marketing Group and was very active in the local arts community serving as an evaluator for the Freddy Awards.
Survivors: His friend and companion: Angel Suarez-Rosado; a sister: Adele Mize of Jackson, MS; nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a sister Marie.
Services: A calling period will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday (2/18) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 14th and Northampton Sts., Easton.
Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Peter Pasquale
February 14, 2013 at 11:45 am
we are going to miss your creativity,,you enjoyed life and definitly added to our world,, you will be missed ,,,,,,pete
Beverly Dries
February 14, 2013 at 1:24 pm
It was such a joy to work with you as a Freddy evaluator. I will miss your friendly smile and theatrical insight. I’m sure you’ll be directing the angels in their next musical production. Bev
Kirk R. Brown
February 14, 2013 at 1:29 pm
As life passes we rarely have the opportunity to stop and take stock of those around us. Because we spent 8 years locked in a race to define perfection, Bill and I shared watering holes and late nights. We became email friends dedicated to broadening each other’s world in the arts.
Bill shared his passion for theatre over many years trapped with me in the silence of large dark boxes surrounded by strangers lit around the edges by sparkling bits of serious fol de rol. We enjoyed each other’s words and odd propensity to enjoy the curious and the quixotic. We had a shared interest in the detail and attempt at production rather than the broad brush of popular acclaim.
And Bill was the consummate professional. His core values were as strong as magnetic north. He was the light in a black box. I will use his light as a spot directing my attention in any of the future nights that I spend in darkened rooms. His intensity and optimism will always guide my eyes.
I miss less of the world today because he showed me how to stop and take stock. He demonstrated the wisdom in a moment’s pause. He gave words to thoughts that hadn’t yet occurred to me.
He will be missed. G’bye Bill. Save me a seat, will ya? On the aisle.
J Arthur LeMoine
February 14, 2013 at 4:21 pm
A Note from Bill: “To Those HE LoveD and Those Who LoveD Him
When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it’s time I traveled on alone.
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must,
Than let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part,
So keep the memories within you heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on,
So if you need me call and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near,
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
All of my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
Ill greet you with a smile, and say
‘WELCOME HOME’
Stephen Alterman
February 14, 2013 at 5:35 pm
We will definitely miss your creativity and those priceless productions at Hauska House and elsewhere. We will also miss your boundless energy and your patience in pursuit of excellence. You will be missed.
Stephen
Phil van Leeuwen
February 14, 2013 at 7:36 pm
A shining light of creativity and grandeur has been extinguished. We are all the poorer for his passing and there will never be another such figure to grace our community.
Tim&Earl
February 14, 2013 at 10:33 pm
Our small city is greatly diminished with Bill’s passing. He was a delightful neighbor and creative friend who brightened every street and room that he graced with his presence. Our condolences to his beloved survivors.
Sue Raesly
February 14, 2013 at 11:21 pm
The news of Bill’s passing has saddened me to the core. I will miss his twinkling eyes and smiling face as I attend shows in the future. He never missed the opportunity to see my son, Ryan in a theatrical production and for that I am forever grateful. My condolences to his survivors and especially to his dearest and kindest friend, Angel. I will think of Bill, whenever an empty seat is spotted in a theater. Rest in Peace.
Lee Boyd and Charles Klabunde
February 15, 2013 at 3:04 pm
Bill was a beloved neighbor on N 2nd Street. We will miss his smile and friendly waves from across the street. He was a kind, talented and caring man. We will miss him. Condolences to Angel and those others close to him. Wishing him everlasting peace.
Roger & Porter
February 16, 2013 at 4:34 am
Dear Angel, We were very saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He was truly one of the finest men we have known and we will always treasure our memories of him. Please know our thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow.
Roger Aspeling & John (Porter) Lee
gail scudder
February 16, 2013 at 1:54 pm
I did not know Bill for very long, meeting him at several playwriting meetings over the past several months, but liked him and was interested in his recent publication of his book. I’m very glad that he was able to publish his book. I looked fowrard to talking to him again at the next meeting next week, but now….
My condolances to his friends and family, and may he rest in peace.
Gail Scudder
Lainie Belcastro
February 16, 2013 at 9:11 pm
Bill was one of my very first friends when I moved to PA ten years ago. Through the Freddy’s our spirits found each other. We often tried to view the same shows, capturing seats close to each other. He allowed me to see how lighting becomes an additional character during a production. He made note of the little things on stage not recognizable by most audience members. Because of his sensitivity, I see the light of day and night in a very different way, and I notice all the little things in this great production we call life. He encouraged me to keep writing, to keep singing, and to keep the child in my heart alive through my children’s productions. He was the best critic, knowing how to make a mediocre production, a great one through his kind words, and his wealth of his life’s and theater experiences. I’m grateful for his book, 21 Yerger Street, which brings me closer to this talented man. I will greatly miss my dear friend, who I’m sure will keep the spotlight shining on all of us. I give you a standing ovation, Bill, for just being you, a gracious, handsome, emotional guy, and I thank God, for directing me to you. Luv Lainie Belcastro a/k/a Mrs. Terra Cotta Pots
Sue Raesly
February 16, 2013 at 10:51 pm
I’d like to add, my deepst symaphies to Bill’s dear friend, Maryann. Seeing you with Bill at shows always made me smile. I’m sure you will miss him very much. I know I will. The theater won’t be the same without him. Sue
Debra & Samantha
February 17, 2013 at 12:51 pm
The world is not the same without Bill. We will miss him…
Marta Whistler and Dudley Knight
February 18, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Bill’s passing is a huge loss to the arts in the Lehigh Valley; and an even greater loss to the many friends whom he touched with his wisdom, kindness and boundless enthusiasm for all the arts. We will miss him deeply and we offer our condolences to Angel and to all who valued the presence of this multi-talented man in their lives.
Marie Steeger
April 24, 2013 at 7:41 am
I just found out about Bill’s physically leaving this world. I have known Bill since the days of Hauska House where he trustingly let a babe in the woods join his Board of Director’s. Bill is and was an amazing supporter and contributor of the arts with a theatrical and personal style that made you want to be better as a person.
I am sorry I wasn’t there Bill- See you later.
Marie
Rafael Zayas-Santos
April 25, 2013 at 8:37 pm
Mi mas sentido pesame para ti Angel y para su hermana.