William E. Pelham, age 89, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on November 5th surrounded by his family and friends.
Bill had a long and fulfilling life filled with love from his family and friends, in addition to a distinguished professional career. He was predeceased by his mother, Sinah M. (Spicer) Pelham of Seaford, DE and father, Edward A. Pelham of Austin, PA.
Mr. Pelham is survived by his daughters, Amanda Pelham of Brooklyn Heights, New York and Susanne Pelham Ward of Wilmington, DE, grandchildren, Elliot and Shelby Ward.
After graduating from Conrad H.S. and attending the College of Wooster in Ohio, Mr. Pelham graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Architecture. He worked for Architectural Firms in Philadelphia (including the office of Louis Kahn and the Philadelphia City Planning Commission) in addition to a firm in Wilmington, DE, before starting his own private firm of William E. Pelham, AIA, Architect in Wilmington in 1966. His firm focused on both residential and institutional client projects.
He was President and Founder of the non-profit, Community Design Center Inc. of Wilmington, DE, (1970 - present)), which concentrated on low-income neighborhood centers, accessibility for the disabled, and residential client projects. Enjoying a very long career, both practices continued until Mr. Pelham’s recent illness.
Bill also served on many community boards and committees, including the American Institute of Architects, Penn Alumni Club of Delaware, Access Wilmington, Easter Seals, Yes U Can USA Corp., Board of Standards and Appeals of the Dept. of Licenses and Inspections of the City of Wilmington, the Governor’s Community Involvement Advisory Council (DNREC), the Governor’s Advisory Council on Energy, the Governor’s Committee on the Two Rivers, and Sister Cities of Wilmington.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held at Calvary Presbyterian Church (701 Maryland Ave., Wilm., DE) on December 14, at 11am.
The Pelham and Ward Families would like to extend appreciation for all the support and care given to Mr. Pelham during his final days.
