Another of Hulls most well known residents is gone. We are saddened to report the death of Bill Townsend. His obituary follows: William E. Townsend Jr., of Hull, died March 24 at the age of 94. Mr. Townsend was born October 13, 1919 in Halifax, Nova Scotia to William E. and Theresa [Ready] Townsend, who had relocated to that city after the devastating explosion of 1917 to participate in the rebuilding effort. To this day, Boston’s official Christmas tree is sent by Nova Scotia in memory of this great service. Mr. Townsend graduated from Sumner High School in Holbrook in 1938, and was married to Eleanor Borgeson of Stoughton, who predeceased him. He served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater, on the USS Yorktown, Saratoga, and Wasp. Following his military service, Mr. Townsend contributed to the construction of landmark projects throughout the country, including Boston’s Prudential Center, Shawmut Bank, and Bank of Boston buildings, the Washington metro system, and the Fort McHenry Tunnel in Maryland. After retirement he became a popular figure at several Hull businesses. For years he was the famed “Lollipop Man” at Riddle’s, and later worked at Nantasket Hardware and Nantasket Pharmacy. He also was a longtime coach for youth baseball and women’s softball. He will be missed by the generations of Hull residents whose lives he impacted. He was the proud father of William E. Townsend III and his wife, Geraldine [Shea], of Florida, and Paul R. Townsend and his wife, Francine [Fazio], and David E. Townsend and his wife, Kacie [Nickerson], all of Hull. Mr. Townsend was also a very proud grandfather of eight grandchildren: Christopher, Gregory, Heather, Frank, Tracey, Kevin, John, and Katherine; 17 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson. Visiting hours are scheduled for Friday, from 5-8 p.m., at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), Hingham. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Church at noon on Saturday. Burial will be at Hull Village Cemetery. Donations in Mr. Townsend’s memory may be made to the Sunset Point Camp, Catholic Charities South, 169 Court St., Brockton, MA 02302. ∞
Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 18:01:26 +0000
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