The small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, known for its famous Groundhog Day celebration, is mourning the loss of a figure central to their community and to the whimsical tradition witnessed by the world. The club announced that William "Bill" Deeley, past president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club and handler of the weather-predicting groundhog Punxsutawney Phil, has passed away.
According to a statement on the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club's Facebook page, "Bill embodied the magic and cheer that is Groundhog Day. He was at the forefront of the worldwide expansion that took the holiday from our little town to the entire world." Deeley's role as president involved donning a top hat and tuxedo to maintain the tradition each February 2, when Phil makes his much-anticipated weather forecast.
The Groundhog Day ceremony, where folklore holds that Punxsutawney Phil can predict the coming of spring or the extension of winter, draws thousands to the small Pennsylvania town each year. According to CBS News Pittsburgh, the Groundhog Club stated, "He made our community a better place, and his contagious smile will live on in our hearts forever." Deeley was renowned for conveying the holiday's spirit and was instrumental in its spread across the globe.
.jpg){kind=link}