Herbert William "Bill" Bloomfield, Jr.

Herbert William “Bill” Bloomfield III passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at the age of 95. Born June 9, 1930, to Herbert William II and Christiana Hedwig Bloomfield, Bill came into the world ready to live it fully—and loudly, joyfully, and with a great story for just about every occasion. As the oldest of two boys, he set the bar high for his younger brother Ron… mostly in the categories of adventure, mischief, and questionable decision-making that somehow always turned out okay in the end.

Bill graduated from Woodbury High School in 1947, where he was described as “academic scientific” and participated in the Chemistry Club, Science Club, served as football manager, and lettered in track. Even then, music had its hooks in him. During a family vacation to Ocean City, Bill famously disappeared and was later found in Atlantic City, having happily sat through three consecutive shows by Frank Sinatra. The family was relieved. Bill was thrilled. No regrets.

A lifelong lover of travel and adventure, Bill once rode from New Jersey to California in the rumble seat of a Model A Ford with four high school friends. Wise enough to buy a return bus ticket upon arrival (on his father’s advice), Bill was less wise about budgeting for food on the return trip. When the money ran out—and it did—the strangers on the bus kindly fed a sad teenager with a bloody eye and an empty wallet. Bill loved this story and told it often, mostly to prove that luck had been following him around his whole life.

After a brief stint at Penn State—cut short by his strong commitment to music, the city, and not attending class—Bill eventually found his way back to college, graduating from Washington College in 1955. There he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and the Washington Players, proving that college, drama, and fun could coexist quite nicely.

One of Bill’s favorite “lucky moments” was meeting Eleanor Paul at a dance. Their first date was at Chubby’s in Camden, New Jersey, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. They married on December 17, 1955, beginning a love story filled with laughter, partnership, and just the right amount of chaos.

Bill and Eleanor made a home in Oakwood, New Jersey, where their legendary neighborhood parties lived on in local memory long after they moved. It was there they had their three children—Brian, Scott, and Sandy—who grew up knowing that their house was the fun house, the loud house, and the one with the best stories.

In 1973, a job with Exxon took the family to Annapolis, Maryland. Shortly after buying the house and balancing two mortgages, Bill was laid off. Naturally, he called this “good luck.” That good luck turned into owning a service station in Odenton, Maryland, and later another in Crofton. Bill quickly learned that while he was many things, “customer service representative” was not one of them. More than one customer was sent down the street for gas after a brief disagreement with Bill at the counter. Thankfully, Eleanor stepped in and became the true heart of the business—often answering late-night calls when no one showed up for the graveyard shift. The business thrived. The customers were grateful. The neighborhood gas stations were… relieved.

Annapolis brought Bill to the Chesapeake Bay, where he fell in love with fishing and boating. Bill found joy in simple pleasures, whether it was a perfect day out on the water—or biting into a ripe tomato straight off the vine, a habit he swore tasted better thanks to growing up around his family’s farm. The house was known for epic Super Bowl parties, excellent Bloody Marys, and countless Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings with Ron and family. Bill treated hosting like a serious responsibility: throw a great party and don’t let anyone leave without having a good time.

In 1995, Bill retired, and he and Eleanor became snowbirds in Marco Island, Florida, eventually settling there full-time. Retirement suited Bill just fine. He fished, boated, joined boating clubs, and traveled the world with Eleanor. Their home was filled with photos and souvenirs from adventures across the U.S. and abroad—Egypt, Thailand, South Africa, Peru, Costa Rica, and Aruba among Bill’s favorites. If there was a place to explore, Bill wanted to go there.

In later years, when Eleanor became ill, Bill revealed a quieter, deeply devoted side. He learned to cook—often calling for help on how to julienne vegetables or reduce stock—and became her steadfast caregiver. The boisterous, fun-loving Bill transformed into a gentle, patient husband, making sure Eleanor was always safe and loved. When this became too much for him to do on his own, they moved to the wonderful Seascape Community in Naples where he found friendship, comfort, and community especially when Eleanor finally passed in 2023. He spent his days enjoying meals with friends, listening to live music, playing bingo, and working on puzzles—still curious, still engaged, still Bill.

Bill is survived by his children: Brian (Brenda) Bloomfield of Stevensville, MD; Scott (Lisa) Bloomfield of Pittsburgh, PA; and Sandy (Sandy) Cederbaum of Athens, GA; grandchildren Oliver and Cal Cederbaum; his brother Ron (Lynne) Bloomfield; and nieces and nephew Christal (Andy) Weis, Larry (Katie) Bloomfield, and Jen (Ted) Gladue.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Herbert William and Christiana Bloomfield and by his wife of 67 years, Eleanor.

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer. In true Bill fashion, it will almost certainly include good stories, good food, laughter, and a reminder that luck favors the bold… and occasionally the stubborn.