William L. Gill

Brockton William L. Gill, 76 years, formerly of Brockton, died August 7, 2008, peacefully in his sons home in California. Born in Brockton and raised in Randolph, he was a son of the late Joseph J. and Maude K. (Mourns) Gill. Bill was born into and grew up farming and was very proud of the hard work ethic it instilled. For his entire working life, Bill received great joy and satisfaction in his ability to help others and to repair almost anything. For more than 30 years he worked for the Brockton Highway Department, retiring as a truck mechanic in 1994. During the Blizzard of 78, he plowed the streets of Brockton for more than 40 hours, just because he loved his job and helping others. Bill also maintained his own heavy-equipment repair shop at home and worked until this past March, only stopping due to ill health. A little over three weeks ago, he mustered all his strength and decided to make a final journey to his eldest sons home in California, where he knew he would die. Bill was a strong willed, generous man with high principles who loved and lived his strong Catholic faith, loved to work and whom his children will fondly remember as one of the toughest people they knew. For many years he was an usher for St. Colman Church, Brockton. He was third order of Mary for 56 years and often carried with him and gave away many medals of Our Lady of Fatima. He was also a Blue Army member. He was the husband of the late Grayce (DeCastro) Gill. He is survived by his children, Thomas W. of Vista, Calif., Nancy M. Gill of Bridgewater, Paul L. of W. Bridgewater and Christina G. MacLaren of Raynham; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brother, Joseph Gill of Easton; two sisters, Katherine Harvey of Florida and Ann Gray of Brockton; and best friend, Richie Stadelmann of Brockton. He was brother to his late twin sister, Theresa Richards, Mary Major, Jane Fratus and Daniel Gill. There will be a funeral from the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont St. (Rte. 123), Brockton, Tuesday, at 7:30 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary Church, 211 N. Main St., Randolph, at 9 a.m. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visiting hours Monday 4-7 p.m. For condolences and directions, www.conleyfuneralhome.