William J. “Willie” Prindle

September 6, 1957 – February 9, 2025

William J. “Willie” Prindle, 67, passed away on February 9, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, countless friendships, and a legacy of laughter, love, and joy.

Born on September 6, 1957, Willie spent his early years at the Merna Owens Home in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, where he lived from 1957 until 1999. He was lovingly raised by Norman “Pa” Owens and Merna “Ma” Owens, and later cared for by his stepmother, Annie Owens, following the passing of Ma and Pa. During those years, Willie became a beloved member of the South Canaan community, forming friendships with neighbors and friends who held a special place in his heart.

In 1999, Willie began a wonderful new chapter when he moved to Prompton, Pennsylvania, to become part of the family of Karen James through The Arc of Lackawanna County’s Life Sharing Program. What began as a new living arrangement blossomed into a loving family bond that would enrich Willie’s life for many years.

Willie was a happy-go-lucky, friendly soul who never met a stranger. With his infectious enthusiasm, playful sense of humor, and love of a good time, he was truly the life of the party. Whether attending family dinners, weddings, birthday celebrations, or holiday gatherings, Willie could always be counted on to bring smiles, laughter, and a little excitement to the occasion.

He had an extraordinary collection of interests and favorite pastimes. Willie loved watching The Lawrence Welk Show, singing (his go-to karaoke song was Silent Night), dancing— he called it “boogie-woogie”—and joking around with anyone willing to join in the fun. He was an enthusiastic football fan who cheered for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys, although his remarkable ability to recognize every NFL team’s logo was a talent all its own. He also took great pleasure in keeping track of the weather across every time zone in the United States, always ready with a forecast or an interesting observation.

Shopping was another of Willie’s great adventures. Whether browsing the aisles of Dollar General, Walmart, or the mall, he delighted in discovering the most unexpected and amusing treasures. He loved adding to his collection, arranging and rearranging his bedroom, and surrounding himself with the things that made him happy. Willie especially enjoyed birthdays and Christmas, when opening gifts was always a highlight. He also appreciated a delicious meal and was rarely one to turn down an opportunity to eat. Among all his favorite foods, nothing quite compared to Grandma Ann’s homemade apple pie.

For many years, Willie worked at the Human Resource Center in Beach Lake, where he developed meaningful friendships with fellow workers, staff, and mentors. Following his retirement, he continued to enjoy the friendships and activities offered through the HRC Day Program.

One of the greatest joys of Willie’s life was being part of a growing family. Over the years, he welcomed seven newborns into the family and delighted in watching them grow. He was a familiar, loving presence throughout their childhoods, sharing in everyday moments, family milestones, and countless celebrations.

During the final years of his life, Willie resided in a group home and later at Forest City Nursing Home. As dementia gradually changed his world, the love and memories he had shared with so many remained an enduring part of his story.

Willie will be remembered for his cheerful spirit, his unforgettable personality, his love of family and friends, and his remarkable ability to find happiness in life’s simplest pleasures. He brought laughter into ordinary days and made celebrations even more memorable simply by being there.

Though he will be deeply missed, those who loved Willie will forever smile at the memories of his jokes, his shopping treasures, his football enthusiasm, his hearty appetite, and, of course, his beloved “boogie-woogie.”

Willie was laid to rest at Maplewood Evangelical Cemetery in Maplewood, Pennsylvania.

Rest peacefully, Willie. The music may have stopped, but the joy you brought into our lives will dance on forever.

His favorite toon was in the song Sweet, …Willie, Willie, Willie, won’t – Go Home!

Now, he is in his forever home, in Heaven.