William Mazzoni Keir

William Mazzoni Keir, 77, of Manchester, loving husband for 50 years of Anna (Chiorra) Mazzoni Keir, died Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Manchester Memorial Hospital after an extended illness.

He was born in La Spezia, Italy, on March 9, 1937, son of Pietro and Joanna (Keir) Mazzoni. He was raised in Scotland, United Kingdom, and returned to Italy for a short time before coming to the United States in 1966. He learned his trade as an automobile mechanic with the Fiat Co. in Italy, and retired as a master mechanic from the Sears Robuck automotive department at the Manchester Parkade in 1994 after 30 years of service. He then became a crossing guard for the Manchester Police Department for 10 years. Bill was a longtime parishioner of St. Bridget Church and an avid gardener.

With his wife, he is survived by two sons, Robert Mazzoni, and his wife, Lisa, of Manchester, and Adrian Mazzoni of Manchester; four grandchildren, Nicolas, Lauren, Alicia, and Anthony; and nieces and nephews in the United States, United Kingdom, and Italy. He was predeceased by his parents and four sisters.

His family would like to thank the staffs at the DeQuattro Cancer Center and the Manchester Memorial Hospital hospice unit for all their care and kindness.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held Monday, March 17, at 11 a.m. in St. Bridget Church, 80 Main St., Manchester.

Disposition is private and there are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Manchester North Unit, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Center, Rocky Hill, CT 06067-3045.

The Holmes Funeral Home has care of arrangements.

To leave a message for his family please visit

www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com