William Esau Kepnes

William Esau Kepnes

William Kepnes Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 12, 2007.
MARSTONS MILLS —

William Esau Kepnes, of Marstons Mills, passed away on Oct. 9, 2007, at Cape Cod Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Jan. 13, 1923, he was the son of Nathan Kepnes and Fannie Hyman. William graduated from Lewiston High School in Maine, and went on to graduate from the University of Miami in Florida.

William was the beloved husband of Anita (Honey) S. Kopans Kepnes; father of two daughters, Marcia E. Kepnes and Laurie C. Kepnes. He was father-in-law of Fred Letourneau. William was the loving grandfather of Jennifer "married to David Guy," Julie Kepnes-Letourneau, and Rebecca Kepnes-Letourneau. He is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

He was brother to the late Herman Kepnes, Eleanor Alperen, Aleck Kepnes and Pershing Kepnes.

He was the member of the Freedom Lodge AF&AM, where he was past master. He was also a member of Moses Michael Hayes Lodge and the Shrine. He was a medic attached to the First Marine Division, a World War II veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart.

William loved golfing, fishing, sailing, dancing and movies, especially Westerns. He adored John Wayne, and met the famous actor in Cambridge, where they enjoyed conversation and a cigar.

An avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching Red Sox games with his wife. He was a moving writer and speaker, and organized many family gatherings. He had a special place in his heart for the family pets.

William retired in 1980, and spent summers at his house on Cape Cod, and winters at his condo on Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, Fla.

He was an extremely loving man, devoted to his family, friends and lodge.

Burial is in Sharon Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made sent to The Shriners Hospital in Boston, or to Cape Cod Hospital, or to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, Fla.

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

Sign William Kepnes's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 1, 2022

Steven Zaharoff posted to the memorial.

January 29, 2008

Karen (Katz) Grossman posted to the memorial.

December 28, 2007

Marsha H. Levine posted to the memorial.

Steven Zaharoff

June 1, 2022

My condolences to the Kepnes Family. Just learned of Billy's passing. Many fond memories of Billy back to the 50's. My Mother Barbara Goldsmith Zaharoff went to school with Honey. I remember at my Bar Mitzvah back in 1964, looking out over the congregation, Billy gave me a wink and a huge smile, and my shyness disappeared.
Steven Zaharoff, Chestnut Hill, Ma

Karen (Katz) Grossman

January 29, 2008

Laurie..I just found this and you by chance . Im very sorry for your loss. I lost my dad 5 years ago. You and I went to Camp Chanrudoma together in the '60s.. I found something online about our old camp and people who are trying to find each other. Hope you are well otherwise.

Marsha H. Levine

December 28, 2007

I was very sorry to hear about Bill's passing, as I have always remembered him as a very kind, generous, and giving man who always made time for his family. I'll never forget his showing me how to sail, and introducing me to one of his secret places, the wonderfully hidden No Name Restaurant on Fish Pier in Boston. It remained a favorite place of mine for many years to come, even after it gained popularity. It's nice to be able to look back have such lovely memories of him. You are blessed to have ten-fold more than what I share.

lindsey kepnes

October 16, 2007

Dear Auntie Honey, Laurie, & Jennifer,
I am so very sad to hear about Uncle Esie's passing. I will always cherish the memories I have of visiting all of you on the Cape. I will miss that twinkle in his eye and his fun loving personality. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lots of love, Lindsey Kepnes

Chris & Jess, Zackary & Cody DeBoer

October 15, 2007

Laurie & Honey & Jen,
We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. We will always cherish the memories of Honey & Bill sending cards to our boys, Zack and Cody. You are all very special to us, and Lynne. Our sympathy is with you all. Enjoy the new baby, Kaila, she will bring you joy and happiness.

Bill Christy

October 15, 2007

Laurie and family,
I extend my deepest heartfelt sympathy to all of you. I have wonderful and fond memories of Bill, that I will always cherish.

Marguerite & Brian Scott

October 14, 2007

Laurie and family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and yours. You have our love and prayers.

Lesley, Phil & Graham Wallace

October 12, 2007

Dear Auntie Honey and Family,
Uncle "Willy" will always be loved and remembered by us. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you. Love, Lesley, Phil & Graham Wallace

Jill Kraus

October 11, 2007

Dear Honey and Family,
Hi, we are sorry for your loss of Esai.He was a wonderful and fun person, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin , friend . We will miss seeing him when we come and visit you on the cape. Our heartfelt prayers are with you and the family .
Jill(Kepnes), Eric , Samantha, Sarah Kraus

Lynne & Riche

October 11, 2007

Honey, Laurie, Jen & family,
Our deepest sympathy is with you during the loss of your beloved Husband, father, grandfather. May the memories of Bill comfort you and bring you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. You are all cherished friends.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in William Kepnes's name

How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Kepnes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign William Kepnes's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 1, 2022

Steven Zaharoff posted to the memorial.

January 29, 2008

Karen (Katz) Grossman posted to the memorial.

December 28, 2007

Marsha H. Levine posted to the memorial.