ST. MICHAELS, Md., March 16, 2023 – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum mourns the passing of William U. Reybold III and sends our deepest condolences to his family.
A CBMM Lifetime Member, Bill Reybold was an active part of our community for more than three decades who is remembered as an enthusiastic advocate for our mission and a friend to everyone he encountered at CBMM. The Easton resident died last week at the age of 90.
“We’ll really miss Bill,” CBMM’s Chief Historian Pete Lesher said. “Bill’s passion for CBMM and our mission was evident over many years. He always took time to express his enthusiasm and appreciation for our exhibitions and programs, particularly our Waterfowling Exhibition and related collections, and we are truly grateful for his support and friendship.”
A prominent soil scientist with the United States Department of Agriculture, Bill became active at CBMM after moving to the area with his late wife Nancy following his retirement in 1989.
Bill’s passion for nature drove his wide-ranging contributions to the community. In addition to his long association with CBMM, he served on the Boards of the Waterfowl Festival, Pickering Creek Audubon Center, and Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage, and his volunteer efforts included work with The Nature Conservancy, the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. He was also a member of the Tidewater Farm Club and served as secretary of the Easton Ruritan Club for 12 years.
CBMM President and CEO Kristen Greenaway counts Bill as the first friend she made upon moving to the area in 2014 to begin her position. She was staying with a friend in her first weeks on the Eastern Shore and would often run into Bill on her daily walks. Those enjoyable chats sparked a fast and lasting friendship.
“From our first conversation, I could tell Bill was a wonderful man,” Greenaway remembered. “Years ago, his wife told me that Bill really liked me. I asked how did she know? She responded, ‘Because that’s why he punches you on the arm every time he sees you!’”
In recent years, Reybold had remained a regular CBMM visitor, finding joy in the day-to-day bustle of campus and helping to spread that feeling to staff, volunteers, and other guests with his ever-present smile. His inquisitive nature and eagerness to learn something new were evident on every visit.
“Seeing Mr. Reybold was always a bright spot in my day,” said Jenny Allen, an associate in CBMM’s museum store. “He was a gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious love for CBMM. He was always so happy to be here—like he had discovered it for the first time. He always had a kind word, often a compliment, and a joyful smile on his face. I will truly miss him.”
Information on funeral services, including a Friday evening visitation at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home in Easton, and a full obituary are available here.