Published November 8, 2019
MELROSE — William J. ‘Bill” Bennett, 80, of Melrose passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, November 2, 2019.
Bill was born on May 13, 1939 in Medford. He was the son of Margaret and Fredrick Bennett. After graduating from Melvin V. Weldon Vocational High School in 1957, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country while in Germany during the Vietnam War. After his discharge, he came back home and went to work for the United States Postal Service at Logan Airport. He also owned and operated Marc’s Catering Service on the North Shore for many years.
Bill was very generous with his time. He truly believed in giving back. Bill was actively involved with My Brother’s Table in Lynn for over 35 years. He felt great compassion for the guests who came in to share a meal. He was sincerely loved by everyone there. Bill was also actively involved with the Melrose Lions Club, as past president, D.V.S. coordinator of District 33N, and Zone Chairman of Zone 5, Region 2. He genuinely loved working the Lions Canteen during all the Melrose High School sporting events for many years. He felt honored to be part of the greatness done by the Lions organization.
Bill loved watching the Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots. He enjoyed candlepin bowling at Sports Plaza in Malden and Circle Bowl in Lynnfield. It was at Sports Plaza that he met his wife, Barbara. He also adored the many animals that rescued him. From Marmalade to Mindy to Maggie to Meadow and Mr. Mcgoo, he enjoyed their company over the years. Country music was his favorite and his admiration for the Man in Black was second-to-none.
But Bill’s greatest joy was his family. He was the beloved husband of 52 years to Barbara (Barron) Bennett. Devoted father of Marc William Bennett and his wife Rachelle of Woburn. Proud grandfather of Matthew William Bennett. Loving brother of Patricia Heenan of Windham, N.H. and Robert F. Bennett of Woburn.
Bill was a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a friend to so many. He was blessed with one son and one grandson who both carry his name. He will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, devoted father, and loving Papa. We will miss him.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, on Thursday, November 7. Funeral procession from Gately Funeral Home on Friday morning November 8, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose was private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill’s name to My Brother’s Table, 98 Willow St., Lynn, MA 01901. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
