William "Bill" Margolin

William "Bill" Margolin obituary, West Newton, MA

William "Bill" Margolin

William Margolin Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Brezniak Funeral Directors - Newton on Jul. 22, 2025.
To view livestream of funeral service click here
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William "Bill" Margolin, 80, of Randolph, Massachusetts.
Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Bryna Leeder, his brother, Malcolm, of Berkeley, California and his nephews, Ruben and Jake Margolin and his niece Sadie Costello.
Bill was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Max and Rose Margolin in 1945. He grew up in West Roxbury. He was a proud alumnus of the Boston Latin School (Class of 1963) and Bowdoin College (Class of 1967). He served with distinction in the United States Army from 1966-1970.
Following college and his military service, Bill dedicated his life's work to helping others and served as a passionate and inspirational friend, counselor, leader and mentor for generations of young people. He spent more than three decades as the Director of The West End House Boys & Girls Club in Allston, Massachusetts and West End House Camp in Parsonsfield, Maine. His affiliation with the organization began as a 13-year-old in 1958. His love for West End House was evident in everything he did, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
He was an active and beloved member of the Allston-Brighton community, where he was a leader and benefactor to many civic organizations, including the Allston Board of Trade, the Allston-Brighton Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club. He participated in many civic events and served on various committees benefiting the Allston-Brighton neighborhood. Bill was also active in the community in Parsonsfield, Maine, where he was a dedicated member of the Long Pond Association.
Bill was a talented writer and public speaker, and his friends enjoyed his great sense of humor and storytelling ability. He was an avid collector, chess player, historian, and proud grammarian. He was a frequent participant in collector shows and fairs. He was the founder, publisher, and editor of Collectors Classified Magazine, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Bill's largest and most meaningful collection was that of his friends, whom he gathered throughout his life by living his faith with kindness to others. His compassion and genuine friendship will be missed by all. If you met him, he became your friend.
During the past few years, Bill looked forward to his weekly singing group, The Tremble Clefs. He recently lobbied the Massachusetts House of Representatives to issue a proclamation honoring the chorus. The legislature congratulated the singers for "their dedication to music, wellness and community and for fostering creativity and connection among individuals living with Parkinson's."
Funeral service will be held 10:30 am, Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Temple Sinai of Sharon, 25 Canton St., Sharon, MA. Burial will follow at Temple Emanuel Memorial Park, 490 North St., Randolph, MA. Donations in Bill's memory may be made to the Margolin Family Scholarship at The West End House at 105 Allston Street, Allston, MA 02134 or to the West End House Boys Camp c/o Jessica Paquette PO Box 474 Chocorua NH, 03817 or via Venmo: @WestEndHouse-Camp.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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October 29, 2025

Charles H Hennekens posted to the memorial.

July 26, 2025

Malcolm Margolin posted to the memorial.

July 24, 2025

BARRY BORNSTEIN posted to the memorial.

Charles H Hennekens

October 29, 2025

Bill was a legend at the WEH and WEHC. I knew him since 1960 when I was a senior counselor at WEHC. My condolences to his family, especially Bryna, who was the wind beneath his wings in his declining years.
I will not mourn for Bill because he lived a long and productive life but for myself because I will miss him.
Charlie Hennekens

Malcolm Margolin

July 26, 2025

BARRY BORNSTEIN

July 24, 2025

BILL was a friend ,mentor, i learned a lot from Bill Snoopy his legacy will live on through all the people lives that had the honor and privilege to know him which is thousands of people. RIP RIP RAP RIP RIP RAP SNOOPY WILL LIVE IN ALL US . WHEN YOUR ONE OF THE BOYS YOUR ALWAYS ONE OF THE BOYS

Charles Collier

July 24, 2025

Four generations of the Collier/Kane Family had the privilege and honor to be closely connected to Bill. He will be missed.

May his Memory Be A Blessing.

Charles Collier

JohnMcClure

July 23, 2025

My condolences to Bryna and family. May Bill´s Soul Rest in Peace.

Bonnie Fortini

July 23, 2025

If the WEH could have been a person, it would have been Bill. Caring, supportive, fun, kind, and always bringing out the best in people. I had the chance, one summer to sub as the camp nurse for a week and got a chance to see him in action. Our family had known him for years and I know my dad knew the House was in good hands with Bill. His memory is surly a blessing. My condolences to Bryna and the family. Bonnie (Schlosberg) Fortini

Dickie Bearman

July 23, 2025

Billy Margolin was my cousin (technically my mother's cousin, but he and I were the same age) and some of my fondest childhood memories are of summer weeks spent at Max and Rose's cottage on Nantasket Beach playing with Billy in the ocean. My heart goes out to Bryna, who was forever steadfast and incredibly loyal in her love and support of her husband. I will miss seeing Billy at our annual family get together. He was ever a gentle and lovely person - so glad he was part of my family and my life.

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Vincent DiCara

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Brezniak Funeral Directors - Newton

1251 Washington Street, West Newton, MA 02465

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Sign William Margolin's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 29, 2025

Charles H Hennekens posted to the memorial.

July 26, 2025

Malcolm Margolin posted to the memorial.

July 24, 2025

BARRY BORNSTEIN posted to the memorial.