William "Bill" Mould, Noted Wheel Builder
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Obituary for William Charles Mould
William Charles Mould (Bill) of Alexandria, VA, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at his home, in the care and company of his family. Bill is survived by his three daughters, Catherine Dillingham (Don), Helen Jenkins (Brent), and Mary Larkin; his cherished sister, Nancy Hager; his nine grandchildren, William Dillingham (Christina), Brynne Gleeson (Trevor), Adam Dillingham, Ethan Dillingham, Sarah Larkin, Aidan Larkin, Katherine Larkin, Elijah Koliner, Clara Koliner; and his great-granddaughter, Emerson Gleeson. Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Joan Mould; his father, Ward Mould; and his mother, Dorothy Mould. Also dear to him were his niece and nephews, his late wife’s family, those within his cycling community, and his close friends from many years of military service.
Bill was born on May 10, 1943, in Washington, DC, and raised in Garden City, New York. He earned an undergraduate degree in Economics at Penn State University (where he became a lifelong Nittany Lions fan) and earned his Master’s Degree in Organic Chemistry at Yale University (where his first two daughters were born). He launched his career in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, retiring as a Colonel after 36 years of service from his final post at The Pentagon. Unwilling to rest upon retirement, and with great love of the bicycling community in and around DC, he launched a new career as a master wheel builder-engineer, ultimately building a world-wide following.
Bill had many great loves and interests: classical music, teaching, everything-bicycling, everything-science, constitutional law, and all matters related to human rights and dignity. His interests revolved around shared interests and service, and he preferred to be in the company of others. He will be deeply missed by the many he touched as a result.
Bill’s life was defined by purpose, honesty, unwavering integrity, a never-ending quest for knowledge, and responsibility to others. He cared little for pretense and was wholly disinterested in the intrinsic value of material things, an outlook sometimes protested as keepsakes were rescued from the garbage. He took fashion advice from no one and insisted upon his familiar uniform of black jeans and bike wheel t-shirts until his final moments. The sole prerequisite to his friendship and respect was human goodness. He had little patience for those who would attempt to impose any other standard. These views are held in high esteem by his grandchildren, who will ensure that his legacy of goodness is carried forward.
A graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211, at a date and time to be later determined. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the charity closest to his heart: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
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Paul Hughes
Bill Mould was the longtime expert wheel builder at Spokes Etc, now Trek Bicycle, on Quaker Lane in Alexandria. He had his own wheel building area near the bike mechanics counter where you could find him working diligently on his craft. He was the most approachable and friendly man and was more than happy to tell you the details on the wheels he was working on and share his expert knowledge. I remember one discussion that somehow turned to chemistry and was surprised that he pulled out one of his old college textbooks to look something up. I enjoyed chatting with him and will miss seeing him. My condolences to his family and the Quaker Lane shop.