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DR. WILLIAM EDWARD LENKAITIS

1946 - 2016

DR.  WILLIAM EDWARD LENKAITIS obituary, 1946-2016, Canton, MA

FUNERAL HOME

Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home

455 Washington Street

Canton, Massachusetts

WILLIAM LENKAITIS Obituary

LENKAITIS, Dr. William Edward 70, died peacefully on August 27, 2016 after an 18 month battle with Brain Cancer. Bill was born in Strongsville, OH on June 30, 1946 to the late Lewis and Myrtle Lenkaitis. He attended Penn State University where he was the Captain of the 1967 Penn State Football Team and a member of the Fiji Phi Delta Fraternity. Bill was a second round draft pick of the San Diego Chargers in 1968 where he played his first 3 seasons before being picked up by the New England Patriots where he completed the last 11 years of his 14 year NFL career. During his NFL off-seasons he earned his dental degree from the University of Tennessee and became the Patriots team dentist while still an active member of the team. Following his retirement after the 1981 season Bill continued his second career as a dentist and managed his own dental practice in Foxboro, MA for 40 years. He is survived by his Wife of 44 years, Donna; Children and their spouses, Jamie and Krissy Lenkaitis of Charlotte, NC, Sean and Kristen Thompson of Canton, MA, Ed and Lauren Raffoni of Westwood, MA; Grandchildren, Jackson and Addison Lenkaitis, Gavin and Ryan Thompson, Eric and Julia Raffoni; Brother and Sister-In-Law, Lew and Peggy Lenkaitis of Cleveland, OH. Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington St., CANTON, Wednesday 4-8 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Gerard Majella Church Canton, Thursday morning at 10. Burial private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St., Boston, MA 02115. For guestbook see

www.dockrayandthomasfuneralhome.com

(781) 828-0811

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 27 to Aug. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM LENKAITIS

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Glenn Perry

February 25, 2024

I went to Strongsville High School and played football with Billy before the family moved to Youngstown. A great player but even a greater person. Cant remember how many times he pancaked me in practice, but he always offered a hand up, and of course, that big grin of his. Love you Billy!

Marilyn Gagnon

February 10, 2019

Dr. Bill, was my dentist as was my husband's. The best dentist I have ever had, he made me so relaxed that I was not scared to come to the dentist as others had made me.
.
Just came across this online, but knew from the office that he had passed away after we had moved away and then have returned.

Donna, we never had met, but you have a wonderful family and learned so much about his full career from this Obituary. I have just lost my husband Herbert Gagnon this past June 2018 of 57 years married. Miss my Dr. Bill and my husband Herb,
Sincerely,
Marilyn Raymond Gagnon of Wrentham, MA

October 20, 2017

Donna, I can't believe I just ran across this and I feel so sorry for you. It sounds like you guys had a hell of a life however and I'm happy for that. Glad to see you got such a large family. God bless and sorry for bringing this up so late. Obviously still remember you both. Myfy and family send our love.

Skip Bedford

August 3, 2017

I had the great fortune to know the Lenkatis family when I was growing up in Strongsville, Ohio. I remember attending a picnic at his families home when I was ten years old. I was there because his father was the supertenant of the Strongsville school system, where my mother was a teacher, and he was providing a picnic for the teachers. I remember going to the front yard of their home with my football. Bill was there and he immediately approached me and wanted to throw the football with me. He was 16 and I was 10 at that time. I still remember him making me run fly patterns, post patterns, etc. A 16 year old taking time to pass the football to a 10 year for a hour, was a dream come true. We were both In the family of Strongsville Mustangs. Rest In Peace, Skip

October 18, 2016

I was deeply saddened as I read of Bill's passing in the Blue White magazine! Bill was my roommate at the FIJI lodge our junior year along with running back Roger Grimes and the late Ron Psaris. Many fond memories of Lenk during our fraternity years and I was always so impressed with his dedication to his studies and his lifelong dream of becoming a dentist. I still believe Lenk saved my life when we had a serious accident returning from an off campus party and the only reason we didn't roll the car was because the hulking Lenk was in the back seat with his date. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family and may he rest in peace he was a wonderful individual and friend! William "Beaver" Rossi

Howard Brownfield

October 17, 2016

I attended UT Dental school with Bill. He was a very nice, humble person. We were paired together in Oral Surgery. I was amazed at his size, strength, and manual dexterity. Good memories of a man I deeply respected. Howard L. Brownfield DDS

Becky Scott-Barrow

September 21, 2016

I just learned that Dr. Bill had passed away and I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends. Bill was a wonderful man and the best dentist I'd ever had. I was lucky to know him for the 18 years he was my dentist. Always quick with a smile; just a wonderful person.

We will miss you Dr. Bill...

Michael Roberts

September 5, 2016

Michael Roberts

September 5, 2016

Michael Roberts

September 5, 2016

Michael Roberts

September 5, 2016

Joe B

September 4, 2016

To Bill's family.................I had the pleasure of playing with Bill in San Diego; against Bill in New England and playing racquetball against him,at which he was not very good! He was though a very,very good football player and a wonderful person!

Janet Barger Peterson

September 4, 2016

Bill and I were immediate friends when he moved to Youngstown, Ohio, and attended South High School. He was a fabulous young man ---- friendly, extremely bright and among the best athletes around. For those reading this, not only could he play football, but he was the State Champion Discus Thrower. I remember well our fun at Penn State on his homecoming weekend, too. To his family, you have my deepest sympathy on your great loss. May you be comforted by many happy memories of a great guy.

Michael Roberts

September 4, 2016

michael roberts

September 3, 2016

I walked into bill's office trying to get an autograph (which he did gladly).So I walked out with 2 things an autograph & a new dentist ,that I had for 15 years.My condolences to the whole Lenkaitis family RIP Doc . BILL...

michael roberts

September 3, 2016

I came in to bill's office to see if I could get an autograph from him,(which he did gladly),I walked out with an autograph

September 2, 2016

Bob Esdale

I am saddened to hear of Bill's recent passing. He made a difference. What a great man!

Cindy Shepherd

September 2, 2016

On behalf of all of the residents, staff, and families of the Wrentham Developmental Center...deepest sympathies to the entire Lenkaitis family. Dr. Lenkaitis' involvement in and support of the Friends of Wrentham, over many years, has greatly benefited the residents of our facility and positively impacted their lives. His contributions will continue to resonate throughout the facility for many years to come.

Cindy Shepherd, Facility Director
Wrentham Developmental Center

Jessie Cappuccilli

September 1, 2016

Sending my condolences to The Lenkaitis Family and all of Dr. Bill's many friends, especially my father. I am so sorry for your loss.

Susan Bullard

August 31, 2016

Lauren; Korbin and I are very sorry for the loss of your dad. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, and may your dad rest in peace. God Bless!!! Love, Sue and Korbin

Carolyn Mason

August 31, 2016

Dear Donna and Children,
I am so sorry for your loss. May memories of Bill's happier and healthier days comfort you and bring you peace.

Karin Lee

August 30, 2016

Dr Bill , or more natural for me , was "67" , I will miss you so so much , you cant begin to know the joy you brought to my day each and every day that I walked into my job. Your sense of humor added so much laughter to my 8 hr shift and your smile just lit up our unit. I know you are resting in the peace you so deserve now, for you fought your battle with such strength and perseverance. I will never forget you and when ever I see the number "67" , I will always think of you my friend. Until later , rest easy and know how much you were loved , love your nurse Karin.....

MAC HEEBNER

August 30, 2016

REST PEACEFULLY BILL !

August 30, 2016

Very sorry to leaarn of Bill's passing. He was a wonderful person. As a fraternity brother, I felt honored to have called him a good friend while we werre in school (I was one year below Bill). When he spoke, most understood that they should listen to his wisdom. God bless his family, knowing how large a loss this is.
Gerry Curtin
Atlanta, GA

Rick Cash

August 30, 2016

Billy was my friend and my teammate, he will be missed, gone but never forgotten ! RIP my friend.
Rick Cash # 63

Charles Wilson

August 30, 2016

Dear Donna and Family,

I am so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Bill was an outstanding person, friend and teammate. He befriended me, a young guy from Florida who who went up to Penn State as a freshman to play football. Bill gave me a tour of the campus, took me to lunch and out on the town for a fun evening with some other players. We remained friends over the years and when I moved to Boston, Bill was kind enough to introduce me to his Patriot teammates and local friends. Unfortunately, I moved from the Boston area and lost touch with Bill.

I hope by sharing my story with you, it will bring you some comfort and peace knowing that Bill was such a good person.

God bless you and your family.

Marian Munroe

August 30, 2016

My Deepest Condolences to the Lenkaitis family..So sorry for your loss..I worked at Doc & Nellies for years..I cherish those days..They were filled with Happiness & Laughter..Thanks to Bills sense of humor.I had the privelege of meeting & working with his Beautiful family..GOD BLESS YOU

August 30, 2016

Donna and children,

Very sorry to hear that Bill has passed away. We remember many good times spent with you all when visiting Tim and Deb Fox. Our thoughts and prayers go are with you.

Deb & Jim Tierney

Rick Keyt

August 30, 2016

So sorry to hear about Bill's death. He was a great man. I pledged Phi Gamma Delta at Penn State in the winter of 1967. Bill was actively involved in the Fiji fraternity brothers' favorite past time, harassing the pledges. He was also a great mentor to me. I slacked off on my studies and Bill counseled me on the importance of getting good grades. All of us pledges really looked up Bill, the Captain of the PSU football team. Paterno's first year as head coach was the fall of 1966.

Bill and I loved handball. The Fiji house was across the street from Rec Hall which had eight (or maybe 10) handball courts. The winter of Bill's senior year he and I joined forces on a two man doubles handball team. We came in first place in the east in a collegiate tournament held at PSU. P.S. Few people played handball because it hurt their hands.

I've said a prayer for Bill and his family.

Robert Thompson

August 30, 2016

Bill had a million dollar smile that wouldnt quit.
Like the way he lead his life. On and off the field. I see pictures of him with his friends and family, happy and proud. A wonderful man who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Im glad I the pleasure of hanging with him over the holidays with Donna, Kristen, Sean and and the kids. My prayers go out to
you on this time of remembrance.

Mark Thomas

August 30, 2016

Bill was fantastic and very talented person! From a Penn State fraternity brother. Our thoughts our with his family. Mark Thomas

Joe Roy

August 30, 2016

My favorite dentist. He will be sorely missed. Always enjoyed the comical conversations and listening to anticdotes while in the chair. My condolences to the entire Lenkaitis family.

Beverly Scollins

August 29, 2016

Many memories of days at the Patriots with Bill. RIP. Condolences to all of the family.

Betsy Thompson

August 29, 2016

Dear Donna and family,

A man of many talents with none more genuine than his pride for his beautiful family. I will always remember his laugh - hearty, strong and forever joyful.

Our condolences to you and your entire family.

Betsy, Scott and Sophie Thompson

Jean Lyman

August 29, 2016

Such a gentle giant!! He was my dentist way back when! RIP

August 29, 2016

Donna

You likely do not remember me. Bill and I have known each other just after his Patriot days.

Despite his "fame" he was just a plain good guy. We saw each other infrequently but he always remembered me and I was fortunate for our friendly relationship.

Your loss affects us all.

Barbara Legg

August 29, 2016

Best dentist ever,I will miss you and your great sense of humor.

Rick Sanford

August 29, 2016

Donna and children,
So sorry to hear about Bill. What a great guy and great teammate. I pray you find comfort in this difficult time.
Rick Sanford

August 29, 2016

I am so saddened by this news. He was my dentist for many years. We always joked around and had many laughs over the years. Sending my condolences to the family. May you all find peace.

Nadine Jackson

August 29, 2016

I remember him dearly. When I worked for the Patriots as Director of Community Relations, I met Dr. Bill first as a Patriots Player alumni. He was one of the first former Patriots Players to jump on board in the formation of the Patriots Alumni Association. He selflessly gave of his time and knowledge in the to help establish its foundation. You can honestly say he was one of the Founding Fathers.

Alan Rothman

August 29, 2016

So very sorry to hear about Bill's recent passing.
I will always treasure my friendship with Bill and his family over these past many years.

daniel gillis

August 29, 2016

Iam very sorry for your lost.

August 29, 2016

I worked for Bill as well at the old Playoff Racquetball Club in Braintree as a manager. Great guy always treated people fairly. Had a wonderful sense of humor. He will be sorely missed. Tom Callahan, Walpole, MA.

Gail Germaine

August 28, 2016

Dr. Bill you were one of my favorites. So very saddened to hear of your loss.

Scott Levison

August 28, 2016

RIP Lenk #67

This life-long Pats fan will never forget you....

Angela Gentile

August 28, 2016

I was saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I worked at Doc & Nellies back in High School and had the pleasure of knowing him. I remember when I first started I was the salad prep girl and he used to always come in and "steal" the veggies from my stations, smile and say HI! He was a great guy and boss.
My condolences to the family.

Karen Brock

August 28, 2016

Donna I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I will always remember his smile and big booming laugh. I feel privileged to have known Bill on and off the field. Lots of love and hugs from me to you.

Karen Brock

Joe Amico

August 28, 2016

Bill thanks for the memories working out & the many hours of playing racetball RIP,your friend,Joe

Mark Hanak

August 28, 2016

Donna

My sincere sympathy over the loss of Bill. I had the pleasure of knowing him when he played for the Patriots and I was the Asst Athletic Trainer. The man, nicknamed "Link" had that awesome grin but not usually on the field. His play was intense but otherwise gentle. May God give you strength at this difficult time.

stephen Watts

August 28, 2016

Had Dr Bill for long time. He was very pleasent. My prayers are with your family. He is in no more pain. Will be missed.

August 28, 2016

So sorry to hear of Bills passing. He was an extraordinary guy and showed much kindness and concern to my mom while at the Hellenic Facility.

Deepest sympathy,
Maureen Milliken

Fred Harris

August 28, 2016

Godspeed, Doctor. From a Penn State classmate and a big fan.

C A

August 28, 2016

Had the pleasure of meeting bill at the racket ball club in Braintree, was such a class guy, very approachable. He had such a great career in professional football and then as a dentist. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. Rest in peace and may God be you next coach.

August 28, 2016

Sincere condolences to Doctor Lenkaitis' family and friends from a former patient and longtime Patriots fan. It always amazed me that such a big strapping man had such a very gentle touch. He was quite a wonderful doctor.

May your lifetime of memories bring you comfort and peace in this saddest of times.

The Wildt family

August 27, 2016

Only wish I had the chance to meet such a wonderful person. Thinking of everyone during this difficult time. We love you all, Love The Wildt family

Jay and Christine Feltham

August 27, 2016

Great guy ,I am very sorry for your loss ,may he rest in peace

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Memorial Events
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Aug

31

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home

455 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021

Sep

1

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Gerard Majella Church Canton

MA

Funeral services provided by:

Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home

455 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021

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