William F. Hennessey

William Frederick Hennessey, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2020, at Rockingham County Nursing Home in Brentwood, New Hampshire. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Susan Hennessey, daughter, Megan Rapien (Michael), son, Timothy Hennessey (Anna), granddaughter, Alexandra Hennessey, brother, Seán Michael Hennessey (Ulrich), nephew, Etienne Hennessey-Lemieux, cousin, Sheila Mignone, sister-in-law, Miriam Cooney, brother-in-law, James Cooney (Betty), brother-in-law, Kevin Cooney (Mary), sister-in-law, Kathleen Lisa (Anthony), niece, Lee Ann Picchiotti (Robert), nephew, Jay Cooney (Susan), niece, Bridget Barriere (Mark), niece, Molly King (Michael), niece, Amy Tyrrell (David), nephew, Kevin Cooney, Jr. (Bri), niece, Melissa Charnon (David), and niece, Sarah (Richard) Flayter. He was born on September 10, 1940 in Astoria, New York, the son of William and Jessie Hennessey. Bill was valedictorian of his high school class, attended Yale University and was a graduate of The University of Chicago. He embraced life with a love of hiking and the outdoors. He served in the U.S. Army and volunteered during the Berlin Crisis. He played the trombone and toured with the U.S. Army Band, announcing their programs. In addition to his marksmanship skills, he enjoyed running marathons and hiking in the White Mountains, achieving membership in the Four Thousand Footers Club. He enjoyed international travel throughout his marketing and transportation career, beginning with the Santa Fe Railroad. Our heartfelt thanks to Rockingham County Nursing Home, Compassionate Care Hospice, and Pastor Steve Magee and the congregation of Exeter Presbyterian Church for their kindness and compassion. Private family services were held Sunday January 26, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Exeter Presbyterian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to The Outreach Fund, Exeter Presbyterian Church, 73 Winter Street, Exeter, N.H. 03833.