William K. Faulkner, a longtime resident of Marblehead, passed away peacefully at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at age 70, after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born on November 14, 1947 in Melrose, a few minutes after the birth of his twin sister Janet, surprising his parents. He was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School in 1965. He earned an Associates Degree from Salem State College. Many of his early summers were spent in New Hampshire at a cottage on Bear Island in Lake Winnipesaukee where he developed his love of nature and the Lakes Region. In Marblehead, where he resided for over 40 years, he became well known for his office cleaning and window washing business. Also known as Phoole, he was an avid recycler through his business and was cited by the Board of Health for his efforts. He also committed what he called random acts of kindness through his business, helping elderly residents with their home maintenance for no cost. He achieved fame in the local newspaper for his lavish Oscar Night Parties but his proudest achievement was his ownership of a cottage and island on Lake Winnipesaukee where he spent many happy years entertaining his friends or sitting at his favorite place on the island, Race Point, listening to the Red Sox, watching NASCAR on TV and observing the Loons nest and raise their young in the nearby sanctuary. Helen Island (his island) was his true love. Bill loved life and found comfort during his last illness in the loving care of his large circle friends both in Marblehead and the Lakes Region area. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Bill was predeceased by his parents Kenneth I. Faulkner and Edith (Johnson) Faulkner as well as his favorite aunt, Alice Johnson. He is survived by his sisters Jean Dougan and her husband Clint of New Hampton, NH, Janet Chapman and her husband Harry of Sausalito, CA, as well as his niece and nephews Tom Dougan of Haverhill, MA, Kathy Cort of Mt. Lebanon, PA, and Harrison Chapman and Cole Chapman of CA. He is also survived by his grand- niece Josie Cort and grandnephews Jack and Sam Dougan and Andy Cort and close friend Patti Roworth of Ipswich, MA. Ceremonies in remembrance of Bill will be held at a future date on Helen Island and in Marblehead. For directions, online tribute, or to express condolences, visit RobinsonFunera1Home.com.

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

Published by The Marblehead Reporter from Jul. 14 to Jul. 26, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for William Faulkner

Sponsored by Robinson Funeral Home - Melrose.

17 Entries

Louise Aveni

May 25, 2020

So sad to loose another classmate. R.I.P. Billy and my most sincere condolences to the family.

lorene melvin

December 20, 2019

Oh Bill, I am so sorry to have learned that you have passed on ahead of us. I tried so many times to see you in Marblehead, but you were never home. But I always had such fond thoughts of you and my hat that I gave you in 1970. See you on the other side dear one.

Hunter Craig

July 26, 2018

Bill, let it be known that should we all have your caring and attitude the world would be a better place and every day would be "PEACE AND LOVE". you will be missed! P&L Hunter

Linda Sullivan

July 21, 2018

Always smiling, thoughtful and kind; have never met anyone with a more positive attitude. The last time I saw Bill he was stocking up on candy to bring to his cancer nurses. Bill was truly a remarkable man who will be missed by many! Peace and love,

Tommy Damigella

July 19, 2018

Dear Janet
I recall both you and Bill with fond memories from grade school. I am so sorry for your loss. Everyone liked Billy.

Mary D'Angelo

July 17, 2018

I miss you Billy

Ron and Barbaara Houldsworth

July 17, 2018

Dear Bill,

You always felt letters were special; here is our letter to you. From the beginning we had that lake connection, the lake is in your blood. Somehow sharing childhood lake memories of boating, swimming and being let loose for the summer defined our beginnings.
We have learned so much from you over the years Bill. The lake connection started it but it continued in many different forms.
First off, you introduced us to fine wine by sharing yours. Now buying a bottle of wine is like going to the candy store and finding something new or interesting, this one will knock your socks off! Sharing your habits you enacted recycling at our house. By giving us a container and picking up recycling for us you couldn't have made it any easier. We will always recycle. Living life deliberately was part of your nature. You initiated dress up night at the lake where once a summer we donned our best summer clothing and ventured off to an evening of fine dining. And Christmas in July was an annual event with decorations and caroling. Showing us to be thankful, even for those daily occurrences such as sunsets on the beach, you would toast thanks to the sun as it brought peace at the end of the day. Our favorite was Fridays with Bill where mundane errands became the event of the week. Visiting friends at Aubuchon, bringing treats for the golden retriever at the library and eating cider bellies donuts on the way home. And don't forget the Laker Newspaper!
Through knowing you, you have showed us how to become better human beings. Be at peace knowing that your life continues through inspiring us to challenge ourselves.

Peace and Love Bill,

Ron and Barbara Houldsworth
Whortleberry Island Lake Winnipesaukee

John Garvey

July 16, 2018

To the Editor of Headlines, Deadlines, and Riddles: Oh, for one more Bruins game, one more Frisbee toss, one more game of Rummy to the rockets and jets of Elton John, and yes, another chance to call for impeachment or pull an all-nighter for the sake of election returns... Jest in Peace!

Kim Downing

July 16, 2018

You will be missed Bill what a blessing you became a friend! I will miss you sense of humor and listening to the Red Sox at the Island. Peace and Love
Kim

Faye Doliber

July 16, 2018

Rest in "Peace & Love" my friend. Your are dearly missed, but forever loved.

Allena Hosei Williamson

July 16, 2018

Ode to Bill the Phoole, who surprised me with sweaters and I thought that was so cool. It is Monday night right now and I salute you with a bow. For your heart was always there, for everyone with love and care. Thru the years and the tears, I remember you most for calling us toots. Your love for the movies and your smile says it all...peace and love my friend for angels on earth have a tough act to follow...hugs and kisses Bill and cheers to you for teaching us that life is fun.

Phyllis Fader

July 15, 2018

Peace and Love my friend. You will be missed by so many. Rest easy.

Alan Mussen

July 15, 2018

Rest In Peace, William. You were a wonderful, caring man and a joy to be around.

Biff Michaud

July 14, 2018

WOW, this is a tremendous loss to all of us who loved Billy. He was a friend of mine for over 38 years...just a great and kind guy! Always doing things for others while never asking anything for himself was one of his greatest joys. I never saw him without that trademark smile...I am just lost for words. I just want his family to know that I care!!

Steve Lyle

July 13, 2018

We were born 2 weeks apart, met at 6th Grade City Chorus (yes, Bill had a nice voice) and became BFFs from then on. He was a groomsman in my wedding in '69...and though a committed "peacenik", he removed his ever-present headband/peace symbol for the wedding! Despite widely-differing political views, we stayed friends for over 60 years. We always exchanged Xmas greetings (Bill's were "unusual"...much like Bill). We visited occasionally, and stayed at his beloved Helen Is. several times (as one of the few he trusted to handle his boat). Once even flew our plane to a local airport to visit.

We recently talked about a new "toy" I had...and being a lifelong NASCAR fan, he wanted to see it in person (even if unable to ride in it). So my wife, Leanne & I drove our new Corvette from Maryland to Marblehead just to show it to Bill. He was thrilled. We also asked if there was anything we could bring for him? I sarcastically suggested "how about a box of doughnuts?" Surprisingly, Bill said "Hell yeah, honey-glazed!" THAT was 100% Willie-the-Phoole.
RIP dear Friend.

Lois Lerner

July 13, 2018

One of my oldest and dearest friends; I will miss his warm smile and happy face

Stephanie Davis

July 13, 2018

Bill had a wonderful spirit and kind heart that he generously shared with all. I will miss him dearly.

Love,
Steph

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