Will Daniel, chairman and founder of Wilco Electronic Systems, dies at 86

PHILADELPHIA—Will Daniel, chairman and founder of Wilco Electronic Systems, Inc., passed away on April 18, 2021. He was 86.   

Daniel’s daughter, Brigitte Daniel-Corbin, CEO and President of Wilco Electronic Systems, issued the following statement: "It is with great sadness that I announce that Will Daniel, our Chairman, and my father - died on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Abington Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.

“Our family appreciates the countless thoughts and prayers that have been extended to Will Daniel’s three children and his beloved wife, Lucille. Will Daniel’s loved ones and his beloved Wilco colleagues are grateful for the expressions of sympathy and condolences from people everywhere who join us in mourning a profound loss.”

Considered a visionary in the creation and evolution of the Philadelphia cable industry, Daniel began Wilco Electronic Systems, Inc., an African-American private cable company, in May of 1977. Throughout his 40-year career, he created a company which was a leader among independent cable operators and remains one of the few remaining minority-owned cable and telecommunications companies in the United States.

After Wilco’s cable assets were purchased by Comcast in 2018, the company shifted its operations and services to focus on the basic foundations of its core business – low-voltage wiring and design, access control and surveillance, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

“Will Daniel was a successful businessperson and a pillar of his community,” said Pennsylvania Senior Senator Bob Casey. “At every turn, he gave back and sought to create opportunities for others. During this time, we mourn his loss, but also celebrate his life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this time.”

David L. Cohen, Senior Advisor of Comcast Corp., added, “Mr. Daniel was a Philadelphia icon. As a businessperson, he never lost sight of the community from which he came. He was a real partner to Comcast, helping our company expand in Philadelphia and take root in the African-American community. His advice was always prescient. His friends at Comcast will miss him, but more importantly, all of us will miss his leadership and commitment to making lives better in Philadelphia.”