WILMINGTON — William T. Aber, Jr., affectionately known as Bill, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, in Wilmington, NC, at the age of 92.
Born on October 25, 1932, in Pittsburgh, PA, Bill lived a life marked by dedication to his family, career, and country. After completing high school, Bill began his professional journey as a candy cutter for Christmas candy canes. He soon moved on to work at a steel company in Pittsburgh before transitioning to a glass company in Ohio, where he excelled as a trainer and personnel manager.
His career took him to New York with Baxter Labs, followed by transfers to Illinois and Mexico, where he served as a general manager. Bill later became the Vice President of Personnel and Public Affairs for a medical company in Richmond, VA. His career continued to flourish when he joined EMI Technology in Illinois, eventually being promoted to vice president and overseeing operations in Concord and San Francisco, California.
Bill was an avid golfer, enjoyed reading, and loved completing sudoku puzzles. His keen intellect earned him acceptance into Mensa International in April 2009. A dedicated worker and family man, he also pursued a passion for flying, becoming an active pilot and owning his own airplane later in life.
His service to his country was notable; Bill enlisted in the US Army in 1951, serving as a radio operator and repairman. He was onboard a carrier for atomic testing and spent time in Germany listening to codes and radio traffic. He received an honorable discharge in 1953.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved parents, William T. and Ruth Johnson Aber, his brother Robert Aber, and his cherished daughter Jessica Aber. He is survived by his devoted wife, Suzanne Jessee Aber, his children Penny Aber-Kahn and her husband David, William Robert “Bob” Aber and his wife Betty Burrows, and Cindy Aber. He leaves behind his grandchildren Jason Robert Kahn and his wife Laura, Samantha Kahn, Samuel and Sophie Aber, and his great-grandson Jack David Kahn.
Memorial services will be planned at a later date to honor Bill’s extraordinary life and legacy.
His family invites those who knew and loved him to celebrate a life well-lived and to remember the joy he brought to those around him, and they would suggest donations be made in his name to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice, for the gentle and special care shown to him and his family.
