William R. Begley

Middleboro William Robert Begley, age 58 years, of Middleboro, formerly of Lakeville, died unexpectedly, from natural causes, Aug. 13, 2008, in Middleboro. Born in Middleboro, July 4, 1950, he was a son of the late William F. Begley and Eleanor M. (Derosier) Begley of Middleboro. He was the husband of Holly (Parker) Begley of Middleboro. They had been married for 29 years. He grew up in Lakeville and graduated vice-president of his class, from Apponequet Regional High School, in 1968. He went on to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1968-1972 and later graduated suma cum laude from UMass-Dartmouth with a degree in music and theater performance. He was well-known to audiences in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, appearing in a wide variety of theatrical and musical venues throughout the region. He was a baritone soloist at the Central Congregational Church in Providence for more than 30 years. He had been employed by the Public Archeology Laboratory, Pawtucket, R.I., for 11 years. In 2002, he joined the staff of the Assawompsett Pond Complex Environmental Management Team in Lakeville, where he participated in the management and protection of the publicly held land and presented educational programs on the history of the property. He is survived by his wife Holly of 29 years; one son, Jonathan P. Begley of Middleboro; his mother, Eleanor Begley of Middleboro; two brothers, Michael F. Begley of Lakeville and Timothy J. Begley of New Bedford; two sisters, Lynn M. Kappa of New Gloucester, Maine, and Lori A. Begley of Middleboro. He was the father of the late William R. Begley III. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Aug. 24, at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Eric P. Dorman officiating, in the Unitarian Universalist Church, 25 South Main St., Middleboro. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Apponequet Music Boosters and Scholarship Fund, c/o Apponequet Regional High School, 98 Howland Road, Lakeville, MA 02347, would be greatly appreciated. For more information, please visit www.eggerandashleyfh.com.