Honorary Chief William Henry Segelken passes at 96

William Henry Segelken’s flame went out on June 27, 2022, in Wilmington, NC at the age of 96. Born in Brooklyn in 1926, he is survived by his daughter Carol Russell, two son’s Robert and John, grandchildren Jennifer, Rob, Greg, Kristian, Shawn, Kendra, Brennan and Cade, and many nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie, his parents, sister, Jeanne Segelken Battersby and two children: his daughter Janet and son William.

Born in Brooklyn in 1926 to Henry Segelken and Mildred Welz Segelken. William graduated from Brooklyn Tech High School and immediately after enlisted in the Navy, serving during World War II as an electrician aboard the USS Matthews (AKA-96), an Andromeda-class attack cargo ship. After the war William began a long career as an Electrical Contractor in New York City.

Him and Marjorie moved their kids out of Brooklyn and into Baldwin in 1960 to properly adjust to their growing family. They both became active members of the community and made many friends with those they’d cross in their local travels.

William became a member of the Baldwin Fire Department Hook & Ladder Company No. 2, where he spent over six decades chasing and fighting fires. He was promoted to the rank of Honorary Chief on December 2, 2011, in recognition of 50 years of service to the department. He was also a former Captain of Hook & Ladder Company No. 2 where he spent 61 years total in service to the department and community of Baldwin.

The family became members of the First Presbyterian Church of Baldwin, where William served as a Trustee and volunteered for numerous committees and Marjorie acted as Elder, Deacon, Sunday school teacher, chaperone for high school retreats, and volunteer.

Family was the most important part of William’s life and his happiest times were spent raising his family and being with his children and grandchildren. He and his wife, Marjorie, spent many wonderful times traveling with their friends. He was a much-loved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, July 7th from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Fullerton Funeral Home, on 769 Merrick Road, Baldwin, NY. Fire Department Services will be held at 8 p.m. A second service will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 8th at Fullerton Funeral Home, followed by internment at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Farmingdale, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Dr, Wilmington, NC 28401.