1938
William
2024
William A. Dearden
July 6, 1938 — January 3, 2024
Longtime Palmer resident William Arthur Dearden, 85, died peacefully surrounded by loving family on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. He was born in Holyoke to the late William and Mary (Denning).
He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 63 years Geraldine “Gerry” (Rooney) Dearden, their three devoted daughters; Denise Casamento and her husband Joseph of Ohio, Kathleen Salois and her husband Daniel of Wilbraham and Debra Bercovici and her husband Alan of Brimfield; his brother George Dearden of Wilbraham; as well as many relatives and friends.
He was proud to be called “Gramps” by five cherished grandchildren; Hannah, Brady, Anthony, Erin and Sean and six adored great grandchildren; Jack, Adeline, Aletta, Selah, Lorenzo and Leonora.
William honorably served his country in the United States Air Force Reserve. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Western New England College while working for MeadWestvaco, where he was employed for 47 years, starting his career as a machinist and retiring in 2000 as the purchasing agent.
Bill was a former President of the Wilbraham Lions Club and a member of the Wilbraham Country Club for many years. His love for bowling started in grade school, and he later earned a qualifying spot in the 1991 National Finals.
In his free time, he appreciated feeding and watching birds and kept busy at his workbench making bird houses. He shared many other passions with his family and friends: ballroom dancing, music, skiing, fishing, boating, and international travel. He looked forward to annual family trips to Block Island, Finger Lakes, and Bromley Mountain.
The family cherishes memories of adventures in his red ’56 T-bird, trips to the beach to fly kites, and family Red Sox outings. Bill will be remembered for his hugs, jokes, contagious laugh, and his love for ice cream.
Services will be private with Wilbraham Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who offered loving care and support to Bill during his final years. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests an act of kindness be made in memory of Bill.
He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 63 years Geraldine “Gerry” (Rooney) Dearden, their three devoted daughters; Denise Casamento and her husband Joseph of Ohio, Kathleen Salois and her husband Daniel of Wilbraham and Debra Bercovici and her husband Alan of Brimfield; his brother George Dearden of Wilbraham; as well as many relatives and friends.
He was proud to be called “Gramps” by five cherished grandchildren; Hannah, Brady, Anthony, Erin and Sean and six adored great grandchildren; Jack, Adeline, Aletta, Selah, Lorenzo and Leonora.
William honorably served his country in the United States Air Force Reserve. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Western New England College while working for MeadWestvaco, where he was employed for 47 years, starting his career as a machinist and retiring in 2000 as the purchasing agent.
Bill was a former President of the Wilbraham Lions Club and a member of the Wilbraham Country Club for many years. His love for bowling started in grade school, and he later earned a qualifying spot in the 1991 National Finals.
In his free time, he appreciated feeding and watching birds and kept busy at his workbench making bird houses. He shared many other passions with his family and friends: ballroom dancing, music, skiing, fishing, boating, and international travel. He looked forward to annual family trips to Block Island, Finger Lakes, and Bromley Mountain.
The family cherishes memories of adventures in his red ’56 T-bird, trips to the beach to fly kites, and family Red Sox outings. Bill will be remembered for his hugs, jokes, contagious laugh, and his love for ice cream.
Services will be private with Wilbraham Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who offered loving care and support to Bill during his final years. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests an act of kindness be made in memory of Bill.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William A. Dearden, please visit our flower store.
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