William Degowin

1932 - 2022

William Degowin

Amherst, MA — William Charles Degowin, 89, of Amherst passed away Thursday June 2, 2022 at the Elaine Manor in Hadley. Bill was born in Springfield, MA, Sept. 1, 1932, the son of the late Carlton R. and Mary C. (Slaby) Degowin. He was educated in the Amherst school and graduate of the Amherst High School. Bill was both a Korean war and a Vietnam Veteran, enlisting in the US Navy right after high school. Bill served for 20 years, mostly aboard various Submarine vessels working as an electrician throughout his career. In retirement William continued his service by working as a civilian contractor for the US Navy at the New London shipyard for many years and finally as a substance abuse counselor for the Veteran Administration Hospital. He was a communicant of the Holy Rosary Church in Hadley. Bill was predecease by his daughter Lisa Rivera. He leaves his beloved wife of 45 years Zaneen (Slaiman) Degowin, his son Daniel Degowin, his sisters Dorothy Lariviere and Sylvia A. Leigh, his sister-in-law and caregivers Zaweeda Sahabdeen and her husband Thawood, and her son Haneef Sahabdeen and his wife Nazrin, his many grand and great Grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A Private burial with Military Honors will take place at the Massachusetts Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, the O'Brien Funeral Home 17 Clark St. Easthampton, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial gifts can be made to Wreaths across America at http://donate.wreathsacrossamerica.org/general-donation-to-wreaths-across-america/ please be certain to specify the Massachusetts Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA. The family of Bill would like to give their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Elaine Manor in Hadley for the many years of care and Kindness they have provide for their beloved William C. Degowin.