William Nickle died July 25 at his Rehoboth Beach home due to degenerative heart disease complications. He was 66.

Born in Philadelphia on Nov. 28, 1940, Nickle graduated from the Haverford School in Pennsylvania in 1958.

In 1962, he graduated from Duke University in North Carolina with a degree in theater.

His partner of five years, Sean Quigley, said Nickle was very active in Duke’s theater program and choreographed several major productions.

After graduating, Nickle worked at Arthur Andersen, a Chicago accounting firm, for about 20 years.

Quigley said his late partner volunteered for the Big Brothers organization, mentoring those living with HIV/AIDS.

Nickle was an avid reader with a fondness for Harry Potter books. He also enjoyed going to the movies.

“He was a bubbly person with an outgoing, fun personality,” Quigley said.

In addition to Quigley, Nickle is survived by his brothers, David and Norman; his niece, Merisa; and his nephews, Eric, Dylan and Brian.

He is also survived by his adopted family, David and Helen Rogers; their son, Eric; and daughters, Cinnamon, Ariel and Adeline.

Nickle’s remains will be cremated and an informal memorial service will be held from 2-4 p.m. Aug. 19 at Nickle’s former home at 89 Jenesee Lane, Willingboro, N.J. For more information, call Quigley at (302) 227-3347.