William "Bill" J. Hussong III

William (“Bill”) Joseph Hussong III died unexpectedly and far too soon, at his home in Owings, MD, on January 21st, 2025, at the age of 77.

He is survived by Cathy (his wife and love of 51 years), Katie Hussong and Eddie Resende (his eldest daughter and son-in-law), Lauren and Kyle Durfey (his youngest daughter and son-in-law), grandsons Everett (8) and Crew (2) Durfey; his three siblings: Katherine Harmon (Scott), Margaret Kriedt (Fred), and David Hussong (Ginny); and many loving in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Born in Camden, NJ on May 19th, 1947, Bill was the third child and first son of parents William (“Bill”) and Marie Hussong, both of whom preceded him in death. 

After a family move to Bethesda, MD, Bill graduated from Walt Whitman High School and attended Gettysburg College, Montgomery College, and the University of Maryland (where he met Cathy). He earned a master’s degree in Elementary Administration from Bowie State University and worked as an elementary school educator and principal for 30 years in the Maryland Public School System (Prince George’s County), at Thomas Stone, Glass Manor, Columbia Heights, and Edgar Allen Poe elementary schools.

He was a devoted husband, father, and PopPop (we never saw him happier than when he was playing with his grandsons), steadfast friend, and beloved brother, uncle, cousin, and son. As a particularly close-knit family, we're so grateful for all the time we spent together. It comforts us to know that he lived the life he wanted (as he would often say, "It just don't get no better than this!") and enjoyed many happy years with his family and dear friends, all of whom loved and will miss him beyond measure. 

Next to spending time with family and friends, nothing brought him more joy than spending time in nature — even better if he would see some wildlife. An avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing, hunting, walking in the woods, working in the yard, and swimming in the ocean.

Despite his at-first more reserved and formal nature, Bill had a great sense of humor, and his smile and laugh could light up a room. He was a great listener and always made you feel like he was genuinely interested in what you had to say.

He was a jack of all trades who could make and fix anything, was always determined to "repair rather than replace", and was the first person we called for advice. Everything he did was thoughtful and with intention, from the meals he prepared to his summer gardens, his beautiful backyard, and the music he composed and played on piano and guitar. 

His life was a quiet love letter to his family and friends. 

He was the very best man, our best friend, and the love of our lives, and we are blessed to have had him, but devastated by his loss.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Beall Funeral Home in Bowie, MD from 11am to 1pm, where friends and family are welcome to share a word or memory about Bill. For those who are able, a reception will be held following the service at Molloy’s Irish Pub in Crofton, Maryland at 1:30pm. 

In lieu of flowers and to honor Bill’s memory and his love of nature, take a walk outside, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, and think of him.