Wilbur A. Reese

Taunton Wilbur "Bill" Aubrey Reese, a lifelong Taunton resident, died Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at Morton Hospital Medical Center, after a lengthy illness. He was 93 years of age. He was the husband of Janet (Shea) Griswold Reese of Taunton and also the husband of the late Shirley Young and Jean Gnospelius. Mr. Reese was born in Taunton, son of the late C. Aubrey Reese and Minnie (Wilbur) Reese. He was employed by the Coca-Cola Company in Fall River for 36 years, retiring in 1977. He was also a Taunton High School graduate, Class of 1935. He served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant and served in the Philippines and received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Philippine Independence Medal. He was a lifelong member of the Winthrop Street Baptist Church, longtime member of the Taunton Elks and a charter member of the Taunton DeMolay. He and his wife Janet also belonged to the Coca-Cola graduates VIP Club. Mr. Reese was an avid Red Sox fan. He enjoyed gardening and working around his yard. He was the father of the late Nancy Burch. He is survived by three stepchildren, Mrs. David (Nancy) Flynn of West Virginia, Mrs. James (Maryann) Cuniff of Sturbridge and John Griswold of Coventry of Connecticut. He also leaves one sister, Rachel Crapo of Taunton. He leaves nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two great great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Taunton Funeral Home, 8 Crapo St. (off Tremont Street). Relatives and friends invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Monday from 4-7 p.m. Cremation to follow service. You may also visit our Web site at www.tauntonfuneral.com to sign guest book and directions. Arrangements made by the Taunton Funeral Home, 8 Crapo St. (off Tremont Street). J. Kevin Corbett, funeral director, 508-821-7771.