William E. Gottwald

William E. "Bill" Gottwald, age 93, of Lakeville, formally of Canton passed away in Safety Harbor, Florida on March 24, 2024, after a period of declining health. Born on May 6, 1930, in Boston, MA, Bill was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many.
Bill was the son of William and Mary (Devlin) Gottwald and preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Eleanor "Ellie", and his grandson, James "Jimmy" Paschal. He was also preceded by his siblings Alice Sullivan, Grace Shea, Mary Mitchell, Rita McLellan and Robert Gottwald.
His legacy continues through his children: Deborah Barry and her husband Robert of Stoughton, William Gottwald, Jr. and his wife Donna of Berkley, Janet Driscoll and her husband Dennis of Lakeville, Richard Gottwald and his husband James Harden of Washington DC, Susan Paschal and her husband James of Canton, and Kevin Gottwald and his wife Jacquelyn of Easton. He was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to his life.
A graduate of English High School in Boston, Bill went on to serve in the Army where he worked in the Engineering Unit that built radio towers during the Korean War. Following his military service, he worked as a patent maker at the Charlestown Navy Yard and later began his own small business doing what he loved best, woodworking and building. Known as a respected carpenter, he was particularly proud of the homes he built for his children and a notable rooftop deck in Washington, DC.
Bill's life exemplified the virtues of generosity, handiness, hard work and selflessness. As a young man, he built a home in Canton for his growing family, a testament to his dedication and love for his wife, Ellie, and their children. His love for carpentry never waned. Bill was always ready to lend a hand with odd jobs around his own homes, those of his children or his friends in Safety Harbor, Florida, where he spent his winters.
Bill and Ellie also shared a love for camping, creating countless cherished memories as they traveled throughout the Northeast.
As we bid farewell to Bill, we celebrate a life well lived, and a legacy of family solid as the homes he built. May his memory continue to inspire and guide us, as he will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.
Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton Monday, April 1st, 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass at St. Oscar Romero Church, Canton Tuesday morning, April 2nd, at 10:00. Burial at Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton.
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