William Ham

William “Bill” Joseph Ham, 60, of Bedford, NH, passed away unexpectedly on February 20, 2023.

Born in Providence, RI, Bill grew up in Cranston, RI. He beat cancer at a young age and went on to become a proud graduate of the University of Rhode Island in 1996 for electrical engineering. After graduating, Bill became a hardware engineer and worked at several telecommunication start-up companies before ultimately landing his most treasured job at Draeger Medical Systems, Inc. in Andover, Massachusetts.

Bill was a passionate, adventurous, and spontaneous guy. He loved experiencing new technology, trying new foods, and traveling - especially to Italy, where he had hoped to retire one day. His curiosity and fascination with science kept him ever-learning, and he was eager to share his knowledge with the people he loved most. Whether it be the study of the universe or observation of the hummingbirds at his bird feeder, he found excitement wherever he was and appreciated the simplest things. Bill was always ready to help others at a moment’s notice, and he held as much compassion for others’ success as he did his own. His interests included fishing, bird-watching, cooking, anything science fiction, and telling dad jokes (the cornier, the better). He even collected a closet full of pun-printed t-shirts to spread positivity wherever he went. He was a humble genius who reminded everyone not to take themselves too seriously, and his love was tangible.

Bill was predeceased by his loving parents, Sandra A (Melnick) Ham and Joseph John Ham.

He will forever be cherished and remembered by his two daughters, Aimee and Rebecca Ham of Merrimack, NH; his sister Diane (Ham) Griffiths and her husband Robert and niece Maeve of Somerset, MA; his uncle James Ham and wife Louise of Bloomington, IN; the mother of his children Debra Shirk; and a large community of friends and colleagues who respected him beyond measure.

There will be a celebration of life event scheduled at a later date and announced on this website. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the American Heart Association or NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.