WILMINGTON — William James Richard Lampe “Bill” was born in Bremen, Germany to Greta and William Lampe who then both immigrated to New York in the early 30’s. They lived in Franklin Square, Long Island with Bill’s younger sister Terry.
After attending Sewanhaka High School and Hofstra University where he completed ROTC, he joined the United States Army and enjoyed a 22 year career. While in college, Bill met his beautiful wife-to-be, Jean McAndrews. His first assignment was to Fussen, Germany, and, prior to leaving, he proposed to his dream girl so they could begin their first journey together of a 70 year relationship.
The sporty newlyweds had their red and white ‘57 Chevy convertible shipped to Germany for the adventure. While on their way to the Munich hospital to give birth, their daughter decided to arrive early (almost in the open convertible) but they found a rural German hospital that delivered the red headed package, Susan.
Bill first served in Vietnam in the early 60s where he received the Joint Service Commendation Medal. After attending the Command and General Staff School in Fort Leavenworth KS, he served as a battalion commander in Vietnam for his second term. He received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and The Army Commendation Medal. In between both tours Bill was given a special assignment in Rangoon, Burma, where he received a Meritorious Service Medal. While there, Bill and Jean hosted astronaut John Glen at a welcoming event in their home.
They explored the world with each new assignment, had amazing experiences and made incredible friends. Bill’s last military duty was at the Pentagon at which time they lived in Alexandria VA. During those years they vacationed in Emerald Isle NC. The next career move was to New York City working in senior management for the Allied Store Corporation. The final business venture was working with an office furniture company in NYC as a project supervisor of large installations, utilizing his love of logistics and people. The Lampe’s resided in Oyster Bay, Long Island for these years.
Upon retirement, Bill and Jean built their dream home on the golf course in Porters Neck, Wilmington NC, and embarked on another wonderful life path with even more special experiences and friends. The choice to retire there involved much research to find a community that allowed them to play golf, go to the beach, and evolve on every level they desired, which Porters Neck Village and the Davis Community provided.
The love and support Bill provided for his family has been immeasurable. He was greatly appreciated by everyone in his professional and personal path. His strength of character, humor, and good-guy-ness will be sorely missed, but will serve as continued inspiration.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Jean Lampe, daughter Susan Gsell and son-in-law Clayton Gsell, sister Terry Trifari, sister and brother-in-law Carol and Tom McAndrews and wonderful nieces and nephews.
