William R. Emerson

William R. Emerson
former School Committeeman

in Tewksbury; "Deacon Bill"

TEWKSBURY - William R. Emerson, age 74, a lifelong servant of God and well known member of the Tewksbury community, died peacefully on Sunday morning, March 4, at Wingate of Belvidere, where he had been in residence over the past year.

He was born in Boston, in December 1943, a son of the late Daniel H. Emerson Sr., and Ruth (McDonough) Emerson. He was raised in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale, graduated from Roslindale High with the Class of 1961, had served as a Deacon in the Omaha, St. Louis and Boston Archdiocese, but lived the greater part of his life in Tewksbury. While serving in Omaha, he worked at Boys Town U.S.A.

Bill was active in youth programs at St. William's Church, led the CCD program for the church, and introduced the Teens Encounter Christ "T.E.C." program to New England from the mid-west. He also was elected to the Tewksbury School Committee and served the town with great honor.

Bill enjoyed many summers at Sunset Lake in Hampstead, NH.

He leaves two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Gena Emerson of Everett, WA, and Guy and Judi Emerson of Wells ME; grandchildren, Kristofer, Beau, Melissa, Samantha, Ariel, Raena; and several great-grandchildren; his brothers and sister-in-law, Daniel and Anne (Humora) Emerson Jr. of Windham, NH; Richard G. Emerson of Dade City, FL; a sister, Elaine Emerson and her spouse Judy Taft of Worcester; many nieces and nephews; and was predeceased by his brother James Emerson.

EMERSON - formerly of Tewksbury, Mar. 4, William R. "Deacon Bill." Visiting hours Wednesday, March 7, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the Tewksbury Funeral Home, corner of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Sts., (Rte. 38) TEWKSBURY CENTER, Ph. (800 in MA or 978) 851 2950. His funeral will begin Thursday, March 8, at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in St. William's Church, 1351 Main St., (Rte. 38) Tewksbury. Interment will be in Tewksbury Cemetery In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Tewksbury Community Pantry, 999 Whipple Road, Tewksbury, MA 01876, will be appreciated. see: tewksburyfuneralhome.com.