William M. Lavato

Bill wanted everyone to know that he’s not coming down for breakfast.

It was his favorite way of acknowledging life’s inevitable end—with humor, honesty, and perspective.

On March 4, 2026, William Michael Lavato passed away at the age of 79.  Bill was born November 19, 1946, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Dominic Lavato and Louise Lavato (née Broderick) and grew up in nearby Chicopee. Though he often described himself as “just a simple boy from Chicopee,” those who knew him understood he was so much more.  

He attended Westfield State College before joining the United States Air Force in 1969. Bill served honorably during the Vietnam War as a Staff Sergeant with the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron—known as the “Jolly Greens”—serving on combat search-and-rescue missions. A decorated airman, he received numerous medals and remained deeply proud of his service to his country.  

After returning home, Bill built a life centered on family, community, and hard work. For nearly 50 years he owned and operated Lavato Supply, a plumbing and supply shop in Chicopee that became a fixture in the community. Over the years, Bill helped countless people simply by being who he was. It would be hard to find someone who knew Bill who didn’t say, “Bill has done so much for me.”  

Family was always at the center of Bill’s life. He shared 43 years of marriage with his beloved first wife, Kathleen Lavato (née Burke), until her passing in 2012. Together they built their life in Springfield, Massachusetts, where they raised their three children and created a lifetime of memories.  

Bill found love again with Debra Kisela, and the two married in 2016. Together they traveled the world and made many wonderful memories. In 2021, they relocated to Little River, South Carolina, where they continued building a life together and where Deb devotedly cared for Bill in his later years.  

In Little River, Bill quickly made new friends and became known for his warmth, humor, and easy conversation. Those friendships brought him great joy and added another meaningful chapter to his life.  

Bill was known for his charm, quick wit, and the unmistakable twinkle in his eye that let you know he was either about to tell a great story or deliver a perfectly timed joke. He loved life’s simple pleasures—long walks, time on the golf course, and good conversation shared over whiskey and cigars.  

He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Kisela; his children, Nora Swanson and her husband Jason Swanson, Michael Lavato, and Joseph Lavato and his wife Danielle Sullivan; his grandchildren, Miles Swanson (13), William Lavato (2), and Maeve Lavato (2 weeks); and his brother Robert Lavato and his wife Mary Lavato. He is also survived by many beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews—especially the ones he proudly referred to as his favorites.  

He was predeceased by his parents, Dominic and Louise Lavato; his first wife, Kathleen Lavato; his brother Richard Lavato; and his sister Joann Lavato.  

Calling hours will be held at Corridan Funeral Home in Chicopee, Massachusetts, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, followed by a funeral home service. Burial with military honors will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, Massachusetts.  

In lieu of flowers, Bill asked that donations be made to Sunshine Village, a western Massachusetts organization supporting individuals with Down syndrome. The organization held special meaning for Bill and his family—his sister Joann enjoyed and benefited from the programs they provided, and his mother Louise helped found and run the organization.  

Those wishing to honor Bill are encouraged to pour two fingers of whiskey, light a cigar, and share a story—just the way he would have liked.