William P. Lyons

Whitinsville- William P. Lyons, 82, of East St. passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.  His wife of 60 years, Dorothy Violet Marie (Larochelle) Lyons predeceased him on July 18, 2023.

     He leaves behind his daughters, Kelly Lyons- Spero and her husband Steven of Worcester, and Terry Houatchanthara and her husband Ponce of Whitinsville; 4 grandchildren, Evan Lyons and his wife Emily, Nicole Putnam, Grant Houatchanthara and Haden Houatchanthara; 5 great-grandchildren, Mia, Evan, Sam, Caroline, and Cecilia.  He was a brother of the late James M. Lyons, Barbara L. Lyons, and Francis J. Lyons.

      Bill, as he was known to his family and friends, was born in Worcester on May 3, 1942, to James F. and Margaret (Houle) Lyons, and grew up in the Grafton Hill area of Worcester. He attended St. John’s High School on Temple St. before enlisting in the Marines in 1958, training at Parris Island, SC, and Camp Lajune.  He served overseas in the USMC as a private.  After the Marines, he worked for his uncle, Leo Houle, as an apprentice bricklayer, a profession he crafted for many many years.  Working for the  Bricklayers Union Local 3 out of Worcester, he often traveled to distant job sites, even traveling as far as Alaska, which he said was one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.  

     He participated in Brothers of the Brush, a non-profit organization,  and was an avid reader before his sight declined.  A member of the Knights of Columbus Council 365, Bill was also part of their Golf League for many years. He loved golf and enjoyed the outdoors and being with his “ golf buddies”, out on the course.   Bill was a longtime parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church, where he served as a Eucharistic minister for some time.  St. Patrick's church and its parishioners were a great support to him when he was no longer able to attend due to health issues, with weekly visits to his home.   

   He was an avid sports fan and true to his Bostonian heart, supporting the Patriots, the Celtics and the Red Sox most of his life. Recently, Bill became a regular at the Northbridge Senior Center. He was so grateful for the support, making connections with the staff and patrons, seeing old friends and making new ones.  “It’s been a miracle for me,” he shared with a friend during lunch one day.  As he was never the same after the sudden loss of his wife.  

   Prior to the last few months, He spent every Friday morning at McDonalds with what he called “the crew.”  He so enjoyed the talks, the socialization, camaraderie, jokes and laughs. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him-

      Bill’s memorial calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 18th from 10-11:30 at  Jackman Funeral Home, 12 Spring St., Whitinsville. His Memorial Funeral Mass will follow at noon in St. Patrick’s Church, 1 Cross St., Whitinsville. Memorial donations in Bill’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. To leave a condolence message for his family, please visit Jackmanfuneralhomes.com

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