Rev. Wiliam Lover died peacefully at his Gainesville, Virginia home surrounded by his family on October 1, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Jackie Lover. Bill was born in Buffalo, NY on January 1, 1944. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Mildred (Bulson) Lover, brother George Lover and sister Marilyn Miller.
Bill is survived by his two children: Cynthia Lover and her two sons Joshua and Zachary, and his son, Andrew Lover, his wife Leontine, and their daughter Annalina. Bill is survived by three stepdaughters: Kristin Kahl, and her husband CJ Currier, Karen Mullen and her husband Shawn Mullen and sons Aiden and Brady, Debbie Kahl and her wife Suzanna Smaldone, and children Robert, Caitlin, Kiera, and Kevin.
Bill graduated from Orchard Park High School in 1962, Muskingum College in 1966, and Princeton Seminary in 1969. He completed a year of clinical Pastoral Education at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center.
Bill was pastor at the Woodbury Union Presbyterian Church from 1972- 1999. During that time, he was an active board member of the Presbyterian Camp Wilmot Committee, and the Warwick Community Action Program, especially supporting the Foster Grandparents. In 1984, Bill was the founding president of the Conimicut Village Association, which revitalized the area. He was also a founding board member of the FRIENDS WAY Family Bereavement Center in 1999.
During his 53 years as a minister, Bill served churches in MA, RI, CT, OH, and VA. He was known as a patient, faithful, and compassionate pastor. Bill had a special connection with the elderly and was a champion for vulnerable and underserved communities. He exemplified a life of service to others, and all who knew him gravitated to him.
Bill served in the US National Guard as a Chaplain, retiring at the rank of LTC. During his 21 years of service, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for service above and beyond the call of duty.
His memorial service will be held at Woodbury Presbyterian Church in Warwick, RI on November 11, 2023, at 11 am. A reception will immediately follow in the parish hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, his family requests memorial gifts be sent to the FRIENDS WAY Program.
