William J. Zee, III, 50
September 22, 2024
William (Bill) J. Zee, III, 50, dedicated husband, father, uncle, brother, friend, philanthropist, and attorney, unexpectedly passed away on September 22, 2024. The great joy of Bill’s life was spending time with and telling others about his loving wife and best friend of 24 years, Seana (McKendry); his two sons, Liam and Ronan and his daughter Maeve. To say he adored them would be an understatement.
Born in Camden, NJ, Bill is survived by his parents Maureen & Tim McKendry and Bill & Debbie Zee; siblings Kerri Hancock (John), Molly McKendry (Chris Jaquis), Kate Semisch (Andy), Meghan Hamilton (Aaron), Maura Lebrun (Dhel), Paddy McKendry (Katherine), Keelan Rowen (Scott) and twenty-seven adoring nieces and nephews.
He fiercely loved and protected his immediate and extended family. His quick wit and dynamic presence will live on in their memories shared. Supporting his children in their various endeavors was Bill’s favorite pastime; he was as enthusiastic about his children’s sports as he was about his Philly sports teams. He loved spending time with family and friends, enjoying good food and drink and engaging in interesting conversation. Bill’s love for reading could only be matched by his enthusiasm for music. He lived life to the fullest and took every chance he could get to explore new places, attend numerous concerts, travel, meet new friends and cuddle his dogs.
Following graduation from West Deptford High School, Bill received his BA from Rutgers University and Master’s of Education from the University of Pennsylvania. He then taught at West Deptford High School, moved to Michigan where he was an Instructor at Eastern Michigan University and then returned to the East coast to serve as Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at Rutgers University. Bill then earned his Juris Doctorate from Villanova University and immediately began his career in education law building a thriving practice with an expertise in student services and special education. He received numerous professional awards and recognitions for his outstanding work as an attorney.
A true servant leader, Bill volunteered his expertise over the years as a board member of Aaron’s Acres, Attachment & Trauma Network, Leadership Lancaster, SHARE of Lancaster, Touchstone Foundation: Youth Mental Wellness Partners. Bill made it his life’s work to advocate for those who had no voice by writing and speaking on the subject of childhood trauma, a subject very dear to his heart.
Bill made the world a better place and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Friday, September 27, 2024, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601. There will not be a visitation prior to the mass on Friday. The Mass will be livestreamed via the church website, www.sjnlancaster.org. Interment will be private in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends will be received from 5-8PM on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Attachment & Trauma Network, Aaron’s Acres or SHARE of Lancaster.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
September 27, 2024
Words cannot begin to describe how deeply sorry I am for your families’ loss. Bill was an incredible man. A man I deeply respected and looked up to. If someone would ask me to descirbe the best man I know, Bill would be it. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to know Bill and to watch my son and Liam play hockey together. Rest easy, Bill. Thank you for giving me someone to look up to for the rest of my life. May Seana, Liam, Meave and Ronan and the rest of Bill’s family find peace in this time of incredible sorrow.
Lee Summers
September 27, 2024
Rest In Peace old friend…You accomplished so much in this short life…..Nick Lepore
September 26, 2024
Seana,
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your beautiful family. ♥️
Stephanie Moyer
September 26, 2024
Our deepest condolences to the family. We had the privilege of being sworn into the Supreme Court with Bill on a trip to Washington with the LBA. So very sorry to hear of his passing. May his memory be a blessing to his Wife and children during this very difficult time. Bernard Ilkhanoff & Paula Silverstein
September 25, 2024
I had the privilege of working with and knowing Bill for over ten years as he led our district as our solicitor. He was an amazing person with a heart of compassion. I am better because of knowing him. He will be dearly missed. My prayers are with his family during this very difficult time
Joe McFarland
September 25, 2024
Mrs. Zee, Liam, and the entire Zee family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Slater
September 25, 2024
Sincere condolences to the family. Such a great loss for his wife and children. Keeping you all in prayer.
Kathy Goshert
September 25, 2024
There are no words, I am broken and shattered. You were my shelter in the storm Bill. I always looked up to and adored my big brother. He was amazing and always took time to help anyone. His legacy can never be matched and the impact he has made in his community, in his family and friends lives is unprecedented. I’m struggling for words and can’t imagine that there are enough to convey what he meant to me and to his entire family, friends and co workers . We are lost without you, I am lost without you. I will love you forever and I feel your presence and it gives me comfort. Seana, Liam, Maeve and Ronan my heart breaks for you and I love you all so much. Rest in peace my hero, my Billy my prayer is that Grandmom and PopPop welcomed you home with with all of the love and peace that they provided for you when they were here with us. I just love you so much
Kerri Hancock
September 25, 2024
I am a special education attorney representing families in disputes with school districts. These are disputes over what services a child with disabilities will receive from the school. As Bill represented schools, that put us on opposite side in most cases. When I learned that Bill was the “opposing” attorney in any case, I always knew we would be able to reach a good solution for the child. Bill’s vast knowledge of the needs of children with disabilities and his compassion for them was always clear. He always made sure the school was looking out for the child. Even when we disagreed on what type of services were the best in a particular case, there was never any doubt that the needs of the child were foremost in his mind. This is not just my view. Bill’s integrity, compassion, fairness and knowledge is being acknowledged and mourned by all of the lawyers in special eduation community who knew him, both on the family side and the school district side. He is irreplaceable.
Daniel Fennick
September 25, 2024
I am deeply saddened to hear about Bill’s untimely passing. To know him was to love him, and the impact he had on so many lives is undeniable. It didn’t matter whether you knew Bill for five minutes, a few years, or a lifetime; the impression he left will be remembered forever. We will all miss you dearly, Bill. My heartfelt love and continued prayers go out to Seana, Liam, Maeve, Ronan, and the entire family during this difficult time.
Karen Gardner
September 25, 2024
Bill was a part of a small community of lawyers. His loss is profound and significant and I will truly miss working with him. I’m so sorry for the family’s loss.
Heidi Goldsmith
September 24, 2024
I served with Bill on the board of Aarons Acres. I was deeply saddened to hear of his sudden passing. Over the past 50 years, he accomplished so much, leaving an undeniable mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His dedication, generosity, and work ethic were inspiring, and he touched countless lives through his efforts.
To Bill’s children, please know your father is an incredible man. He spoke of you often with immense pride and love. He loved his work and from that love came an excellence that was relied on, and sought after by so many. His legacy is not just in the work he did but in the lives he changed and the love he shared with his family. He gave so much to so many, and his memory will live on through all of us.
My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you during this difficult time.
Warm regards,
Scott Chamberlain
September 24, 2024
Bill was truly an extraordinary human being. He defied the odds and made a difference not only in his own life but also as a husband, father and in advocating for children facing struggles. Growing up, he was like a brother to me. Despite the years we lost, I always rooted for him and take great pride in all he achieved. I feel privileged to have known him and will cherish our memories together for the rest of my life. My thoughts and prayers are with Seana, Liam, Maeve, Ronan, and the entire Zee and McKendry families. I love you, Bill, and I hope to see you again, my friend.
~John Gardner~
September 24, 2024
It was an honor to know Bill. He was always there when advice was needed or when the chips were down. I felt stronger knowing he was in my corner. My heart goes out to his family and closest friends. I will never forget “my good buddy, Bill Zee.”
Tracey Quigley Jones
September 24, 2024
Bill and I worked together at Rutgers in the late nineties. I’ve kept in touch and watched his life blossom ever since. It was an honor to know him. May his memory be a be a true blessing to all his family and loved ones.
Andie Johnston DiMarco
September 24, 2024
I met Bill over 15 years ago and we became instant friends. He was a wonderful person and always had time to listen. After my father and my nephew, he was the best man I knew. I have been blessed to know him and honored to be his friend. God Speed, Bill. I love you my dear friend and will miss you. My prayers to Seana, Liam, Maeve and Ronin.
September 24, 2024
Bill was such a great newphew that grew up to accomplish so many amazing tasks in life. His love for his family Seana,Liam,Ronan Mauve was one thing he always held true to his heart. The chats we would have over the children’s sports and my grandchildren’s sports was something I’ll treasure always.He was one proud Dad. All that he has done in his time here on earth has made such a difference to so many lives so thank you Billy for all your service you gave of yourself to others. Be at peace. Love Aunt Debbie
September 24, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I had enjoyed being around Bill and talking with him. He will be missed.
Calvin L. Johnson Sr
September 24, 2024
Bill and I developed a friendship via our community work together starting with Share of Lancaster. He continued to be someone I respected and admired in everything he did, not just professionally and philanthropically but as a loving husband, supportive dad and great friend. This is a huge loss for our community that will be felt for a long time. We will miss you, my friend.
Jennifer Goldbach
September 24, 2024
Bill will forever be remembered for his love of life and others .He was a great father to three beautiful children and a wonderful husband to wife Seana .Although the distance was between us we messaged and chatted throughout the years. Billy was a great person with a great big heart of gold . We will cherish our memories of him and forever be grateful for all he given of his self to others . Our prayers and thoughts to Seana, Liam, ,Meave ,Ronan , McKendry families , Bill & Deb Zee, Kerri , John , Sydney Ryan Hancock , Gettings and Zee families , Bill will be remembered always and loved beyond words as we all journey through this heartbreaking time in life . May God bless you all with comfort and love of Bills love and life . Love always Uncle Jim, Aunt Sue (Zee) Spencer & family xo
September 24, 2024
Bill was a good guy. He was willing to work with other to improve the lives of youth. I am so sorry to hear about his early passing. I wish his friends and family peace and love in this time of loss. I was just a lawyer colleague. I wish I knew him better, but what I did know about him was all good.
Sharon Lopez