William Fealey

FEALEY, WILLIAM "BILL" 65, went home to be with the Lord on June 20, 2012. Formerly of North Kingstown and Jamestown, RI, Bill passed away peacefully after a brief illness; his wife and daughter were by his side. Bill was born in Brooklyn, NY, on April 20, 1947. He joined the US Navy Seabees in 1967. A decorated veteran and non-commissioned officer, he served in combat at Chu Lai, Phu Bai, and other locations in Vietnam during 1967 and 1968. Bill worked as an inventor/engineer at Stanley Bostitch in East Greenwich, RI, for 35 years. He earned 13 U.S. patents and even more foreign patents. One invention, the "easy squeeze" tacker, was featured during a Super Bowl commercial and radically changed the way staplers are designed. In recent years, he worked as a consultant in patent litigation. When Bill was not working, he enjoyed boating and fishing on Narragansett Bay and later on Sebec River. His kind and gentle soul was a perfect match for animals of all kinds. Bill raised bunnies, rescued birds and turtles, tamed wild lizards, and bonded with his many dogs throughout his life. His love of animals and nature is what led to his retiring in the tranquil beauty of rural Maine, where he belonged to J.P. Chaisson American Legion Post No. 41 in Milo, and the Big Pine Gun Club. Bill is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 45 years, Leslie (Freeman) Fealey of Milo; his son, Patrick Fealey of Fortuna, CA; his daughter, Shannon Meinel and her husband, Steve, of Warwick, RI; and his grandchildren, Ryker and Kess Meinel, whom he loved dearly. He also leaves his brothers, Dr. Robert Fealey of Rochester, MN, and Dr. Thomas Fealey of Staten Island, NY; his sister, Mary Abramson and her husband, Roger, of North Creek, NY; his brothers-in-law, Jonathan Freeman of Topsham, and Darryl Freeman and his wife, Mary, of West Caldwell, NJ; his mother-in-law, Madge Freeman of West Paris; and his many nieces and nephews across the states. He also leaves his affectionate and comedic bulldog companion, Beauty, who devoted herself to him during his illness. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Dorothy and William Fealey, of Campbell Hall, NY, and his father-in-law, Louis Freeman of Staten Island, NY. All are invited to attend a Christian burial with military honors 10am Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at Evergreen Cemetery, Milo, ME, with Pastor Phil McGlauflin officiating. After the service, a reception to continue the celebration of Bill's life will be held. Though we wish he could be with us here and his absence leaves great sadness, we know that he is at peace with his Savior, Our Lord, Jesus Christ. His love and devotion will never be forgotten, and his humor will be missed and celebrated. In honor of his love of animals, please make any donations, in his name, to your local animal shelter. Arrangements are in care of the Lary Funeral Home, Milo, ME. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.