WILLIAM A. DAVISON

1945 - 2021

DAVISON, William A. This is the story of William A. "Bill" Davison, a kind and dignified gentleman who was loved, is missed and will always be cherished. "Papa," as he liked to be called by his grandchildren, was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather who adored his family. Quiet but attentive, easygoing, even-keeled, genuine, liked by all, humble, and unassuming are some of the many words to describe Bill. Bill's story starts on June 20, 1945, the first child of William and Mary (nee DiMaura) in Medford, MA, living in Weymouth as a youngster with his parents and younger sister Marjorie, where they owned a real estate business; later moving to Hingham. In 1967, he joined the U.S.Army, served his country and was honorably discharged in 1972. With his marriage to Patricia Boyce in 1977, he became a member of her large, loving, family of outsized personalities. He was warmly embraced by her parents and each of her 6 siblings and their spouses. They appreciated his quiet strength and generosity of spirit; taking them to the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, teaching them to sail on his sailboat in Hingham Harbor and simply being present in their lives for all the happy and sad occasions. His proudest moments were the birth of his daughter Jessica and the arrival of his son William from South Korea at four-and-a-half months. He loved them unconditionally, leaving them a priceless legacy. He received his BA from Curry College and MS from Assumption University, both in Psychology, combined with an MBA from Rivier University. The knowledge he gained from this training, coupled with his kindness and compassion, made him an outstanding school psychologist for the Town of Billerica and later Guidance Counselor for 34 years. Stories of his countless acts of quiet generosity for those in his care are a testament to his character. Upon his retirement from Billerica and the death of his father, he joined the family real estate business for several years, commuting to the company office in Weymouth from North Andover, despite a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. His journey of 14 years with Parkinson's was met without complaint, quietly determined to maintain his independence and optimism right to the end. Grateful for the many acts of kindness from others, he was always ready to join any social gathering with a great sense of humor and dry wit. He liked to say that his Parkinson's diagnosis had the silver lining of meeting a dear group of friends, traveling on that same journey, with his classmates in their Rock Steady Boxing Class, a nationally acclaimed boxing program designed exclusively for those with Parkinson's, where he boxed three times a week until 3 weeks before his death. The camaraderie and support they offered each other was as therapeutic as the physical workout. It's possible to make a close new friend even in one's 70's, his boxing pal, Tom, can attest to that. He returned home to his loving God on February 8, 2021 in the embrace of his wife of 44 years and his two children. He is survived by wife Patricia Boyce Davison, daughter Jessica Davison Keane and husband Timothy Keane, son William Choi Davison, granddaughter Emily Jane Keane, grandson Timothy Davison Keane, along with one sister, five sisters-in-law, five brothers-in-law, twelve nieces, two nephews, six great-nephews, three great-nieces and his son's partner, Africa Santana-Sanchez. He was predeceased by grandson Joseph Keane, his parents Mary and William Davison, and his in-laws Frances and Joseph Boyce. He will be missed by all, including numerous lifelong friends. Visiting Hours: A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Michael's Church, 196 Main St., North Andover, on Monday, February 15, 2021 at 10 AM. A Celebration of his Life will be held when permitted, with interment in the Chapel Cemetery on the campus of Phillips Academy. Details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to: Rock Steady Boxing, https://www.rocksteadyboxing.org/donate/ "To Help People with Parkinson's Disease Fight Back," The Joseph Keane Fund "To Support Families and Hospital Staff who Experience the Unexpected and Life-Changing Loss of a Baby." https://foundation.bridgeporthospital.org/joseph-keane-fund/ To offer online condolences please visit www.contefuneralhomes.com

View the online memorial for William A. DAVISON