Russell William (“Bill”) Cory, Jr.

Russell William (“Bill”) Cory, Jr., formerly of Scranton, PA, passed away on Thursday, April 7 at Homestead Village, Lancaster, PA.

A graduate of Technical High School, Scranton, PA, he served in the US Army during WWII in the Asiatic/Pacific Theater (Hawaii/Saipan).

A resident of Lancaster since 1946, he retired in 1990 from the former Watt & Shand Department Store, where he served as Vice-President, Treasurer, and member of the Board of Directors.

He also served on the Board of Directors of the Lancaster County Credit Bureau from 1970 to 1989, including as Chairman of the Board from 1986 to 1989, as a member of the Financial Executive’s Institute – Central PA Chapter from 1973 to 1989, as a life member and former Secretary of the Sertoma Club of Lancaster, as a former volunteer at Lancaster General Hospital, and as a member of the “WASHERS” (Watt & Shand Elite Retirees Society), with whom he enjoyed many social activities.

He was 60 year member of First Presbyterian Church, and also served as a Deacon.

Bill was the son of the late Russell W. Cory, Sr. and Marian Florence (Hatcher) Cory.  He is survived by his wife, Margaret M. (Vezo) Cory, with whom he celebrated 67 years of marriage on

February 24

. Also surviving are three sons, Michael Cory, John Cory, husband of Lorie (Snook) Cory, and Philip Cory, one daughter, Constance (Cory) Shreiner, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a daughter, Christine Cory.

A Memorial Service will be held

Thursday, May 12, 2016

at First Presbyterian Church, 140 East Orange Street, Lancaster, PA. Friends may call at

10:00 a.m.

, followed immediately by the service at

11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the First Presbyterian Special Help Fund, at the address listed above.