William Joseph Lanier

William Joseph Lanier retired Postal Worker LOWELL William J. "Butch" Lanier, 68, a lifelong resident of Lowell, died unexpectedly on Sunday, August 31, 2008 in a swimming related incident in Frye Island, Maine. He was born in Lowell on January 24, 1940 a son of the late William J. E. Lanier and Helen M. (Foley)(Lanier) Kondziolka whose Funeral Services were celebrated on August 29, 2008. William was devoted to his mother whom he visited everyday while she was a resident at the D'Youville Senior Care Center. The residents and staff all looked forward to seeing him during his daily visits. He attended St. Patrick Grammar School and Lowell High School, Class of 1959. He was an outstanding baseball and basketball player. He especially excelled in basketball for St. Patrick's CYO, the Lowell Boy's Club, the Y.M.C.A and the High School. He later went on to play in the Lowell Town League where he received many awards for his outstanding basketball abilities. He also excelled in handball at the Y.M.C.A. and received many awards for his swimming abilities during the Labor Day swimming events held in Lowell during his younger years. Mr. Lanier worked for the World Furniture Co. for a few years prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army in April, 1963. He served until his Honorable Discharge in April, 1969 having served for 1 ½ years in Germany as a radio operator with the Signal Corps. Mr. Lanier was retired from the United States Postal Service. He is survived by his brother to whom he was devoted, Robert "Bob" Lanier of Lowell; two loving nephews a loving niece and their spouses, Roberts S. Lanier and Kristi of Groton, Darren Lanier and Heather of Tyngsboro, Marjorie (Lanier) Lichtenberger and Francis of Winchester; five grandnephews and three grandnieces, Andrew and Sandra Lanier, Alex, Max, Jack and Peter Lichtenberger and Ashley and Molly Lanier; two aunts, Aline West and Theresa Pelletier. He was also very close to the following families, the Bernier family, the Bourque family and the Daigle family. He leaves close friends Ray Poitras and Ethel Tournas. LANIER William J. Relatives and friends may call at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM on Friday. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 PM in the Funeral Home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's name may be made to the D'Youville Foundation, PO Box 8828, Lowell, Ma 01853. For directions or condolences, please visit www.mckennaouellette.com