William R. Brandreth

William (Bill) Rea Brandreth, a lifelong Philadelphia-area resident, passed away at his winter home in Bonita Springs, Florida, on January 17, 2026.

Bill was born on January 27, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late William Robert and Elizabeth (née Monaghan) Brandreth. He grew up in the West Oak Lane neighborhood of Philadelphia where he developed lasting friendships and delivered newspapers for the Bulletin where he first displayed the work ethic that would define his career.

Following his graduation from Olney High School in 1954, Bill found a job at the Philadelphia-Baltimore-Washington Stock Exchange “because he knew how to type.” He then served two years in the United States Navy, cruising the Caribbean and Mediterranean aboard the USS Lloyd, before being honorably discharged from active duty in 1957.

After the Navy, he returned to the exchange, joining Harry C. Dackerman & Co. as a clerk. He rose through the ranks of the company, and the partners purchased him a seat in April 1961. Within a month of Bill’s returning to the floor, a young woman, Sandy McBride, joined the firm, working in the upstairs office. Bill and Sandy would marry on March 23, 1963.

Working full-time and raising a family in East Oak Lane before settling in Blue Bell, he worked his way through night school. He earned his associate degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1962 and his bachelor’s degree from Drexel University in 1970.

Billy, as he was known in the office, would eventually move from the floor to the institutional equity sales and trading desk. After a few mergers, he spent 16 years working in New York City, commuting back and forth daily.

Bill not only set a tremendous example for his own children, but he was also a mentor to so many others. “He is so very well respected, and he’s helped so many young people. He was really their father figure…I never heard Bill say a bad word about anybody. That is such an asset. What a great father, a great grandfather,” said long-time friend Don Stanton at the time of Bill’s retirement.

He retired in 2002 as the Head of Institutional Trading for Janney Montgomery Scott in Philadelphia. But retirement never slowed him down as he traveled the world with Sandy and spent time each year in Ocean City, New Jersey, and Bonita Springs, Florida. And after a 40-year hiatus, he picked up golf again.

Above all, Bill loved spending time with his family and was a dedicated Poppy to his grandchildren. He was a fixture at their sporting events, dance performances, ski races, or anything else, always there cheering them on.

A man of strong faith, Bill was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ambler and would also attend Bonita Springs Presbyterian Church in the winter months.

Bill is survived by his children Deena (Russell) Shilling, Kelly Brogan, William R. (Kandice) Brandreth Jr., and Scott (Patty) Brandreth. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jake Brogan, Matthew Shilling, Luke Brogan, Bret Brogan, Tyler Shilling, Hannah Brandreth, Jack Brandreth, Bree Brandreth, and Kira Brandreth. He is also survived by two siblings, David Brandreth and Elizabeth (Charles) Markland.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sandra Lee (née McBride) Brandreth on July 16, 2018.

A memorial service, officiated by the Reverend Donald Kazen, will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Ambler, 4 S. Ridge Ave., Ambler on Friday January 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. Friends and family may call from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church before the service.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in his memory may be sent to Artman Lutheran Home Benevolent Fund, 250 N. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler PA 19002 or to First Presbyterian Church at above-mentioned address.

Arrangements by Shaeff-Myers Funeral Home.