William J. Marganella

EAST SANDWICH — William "Bill" Marganella, 96, a resident of East Sandwich for 60 years, passed away peacefully at Eagle Pond Rehabilitation and Living Center in South Dennis on Nov. 20, 2010.

Born Feb. 25, 1914, in Yonkers, N.Y., he was the son of the late John and Filomena "Fannie" Marganella, immigrants from Corvara, Italy.

He was the husband of the late Evelyn (Stapleton) Marganella and is survived by daughter Irene Edquist of East Sandwich; granddaughters Sharon Edquist of East Sandwich and Diane Kahler of Baltimore, Md.; grandson-in-law Paul Marchwat of East Sandwich; great-grandchildren Adam Kahler, Madison Kahler and Logan Kahler of Baltimore, Md; niece Irene Mendonza of East Sandwich; many nieces and nephews around the country; and grandsons Gregg and Stephen Marganella. Bill is predeceased by sons William "Skipper" Marganella and Richard Marganella.

Bill was a proud World War II veteran who served with the 36th "Texas" Infantry Division as a machine gunner. The Texas division stands out as one of the truly veteran divisions of the Second World War. Girded with a spirit borne of fierce pride, the 36th made amphibious assaults at Salerno and saw intense action in Italy, France and Germany. Bill resided at the Chelsea Soldiers Home for five years before returning home to East Sandwich in 2009.

After the war, Bill, a self-employed TV salesman and repairman, sold Zenith televisions and installed antennas in just about every home in Sandwich. He was well known and liked by everyone who came in contact with him.

He was an original charter member of the Sandwich Lion's Club and contributed at all events over the years. Everyone knew and loved him as the "Popcorn man." He was also part of a special group of Sandwich residents known as the "Geezer Brigade" who rebuilt the Sandwich Boardwalk in 1992.

While at Eagle Pond he was known as "Grandpa Bill." The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to all the wonderful staff at Eagle Pond for the loving care he received while being there. Their care saved his life many times and enabled Bill to return home to enjoy life to the fullest. We would also like to thank another group of special people who enriched Bill's life. To the staff and caregivers at Home Instead Senior Care, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your help as well.

According to Bill, one of his secrets to a long life was to drink martinis. His daily routine for the last 30 years consisted of a gin martini and a snack of six Ritz crackers with Wispride cheddar cheese "clumped" on top at 2 p.m. For good measure, he'd have another gin martini at 8 p.m. as he watched his beloved Celtics or Red Sox.

Visiting hours will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28, at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Route 6A, Sandwich, MA 02563.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 29, at Corpus Christi Parish, 324 Quaker Meetinghouse Road, East Sandwich, MA 02537. Burial to follow at St. Peters Cemetery, Sandwich.

Donations in his name can be made to the Sandwich-Bourne Lions Club.

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