Joseph William "Bill" Lister

MADISON -- Joseph William "Bill" Lister of 164 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 20, 2010, at his summer residence in Madison.

He was born in Somerville, Mass., on Jan. 10, 1931, the son of Harold and Catherine Lister.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Verna (Dionne Roy) Lister, of Skowhegan; his children, Thomas Morrison Lister and his wife, Ronda, of Bath and his daughter, Mary McNelly of Bath; his grandchildren, Andrew McNelly and his wife, Laurie, of West Bath, Elizabeth McNelly of West Bath, Jordan and Carly Lister, both of Bath; and his great-grandchild, Bryce McNelly of West Bath. He is also survived by several children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren by marriage. He was predeceased by his parents and his first wife, Betty Jean Morrison Lister.

Bill served in the Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of The American Legion. He received a degree in civil engineering at Tufts University. As a general contractor in building construction, he was owner of J.W. Lister, Inc. in Bath, until his retirement.

He was a member of the Associated General Contractors of Maine, the Rotary Club and the Knights of Columbus in Bath. He served on the finance committee of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was actively involved in the community.

His family wishes to acknowledge the special care and support provided by the HealthReach Hospice team.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Lincoln Street in Bath. Burial will follow at the Maple Grove Extension Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HealthReach Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04093-0828.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan and Scott's Cremation and Funeral Service.