William T. "Bill" Salisbury

William Thomas "Bill" Salisbury Jr., of Braintree, a family man and a respected attorney, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 14, 1939, in Boston, MA, Bill was the cherished son of the late William Salisbury Sr. and Eleanor Bergan. Known for his sharp intellect, Bill's legacy is one of service, generosity, and dedication to the principles of justice.
Bill was a proud graduate of King Philip Regional High School class of 1958, where he was known for academic excellence and leadership, as well as his skill on the baseball diamond; Bill was an outstanding baseball player. His passion for law and justice led him to pursue higher education at Suffolk University Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1968, and successfully passed the bar exam later that year, marking the beginning of a remarkable legal career. He served as the Assistant District Attorney of Dorchester District Court, and then as a Commissioner on the Industrial Accident Board. He went on to have a distinguished career as a workers' compensation attorney and co-founded the reputable Salisbury and Neelon Law Firm. He represented thousands of injured workers over the course of his career. His professional legacy is characterized by his relentless advocacy for those he represented, earning him the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was a man of many interests and talents. His love for sailing was profound, and he was often seen at the helm during spirited races in Boston Harbor. He also took pride in cultivating dozens of rose bushes, creating a beautiful garden that the many guests that passed through his home enjoyed. He was as skilled with car bodywork as he was with the pruning of his roses, employing the keen eye for detail that characterized his personal and professional interests. This extended to his photography, which captured shots of both his roses and racing boats. Bill also had a keen interest in the American Civil War, and read extensively on this subject, as well as many others. He gave generously to many organizations, particularly ones supporting veterans.
As much as Bill accomplished in his career and hobbies, it was his role as a family man that truly defined him. He was the former husband of Joanne Finnegan and a loving father to William T. Salisbury III and his wife Rosemary of Braintree, Sean Salisbury of Putnam, CT, Anya Eacman of Boston, and the late Genevieve Lally and her husband David. Bill's legacy continues through his grandchildren, Johanna, Elisabeth, Sean, Veronica, Anastasia, and his great-grandchildren, Cathal, Ciaran, and Xiomara, all of whom he adored. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren loved watching movies, swimming, and spending time at his house, and will always remember his booming voice asking, "Are we having fun yet?"
Bill's humor and intelligence were the cornerstones upon which he built his life. His family and friends will cherish the memories of gatherings and parties in his home, and the warm welcome he always extended to friends, family, and strangers alike.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, December 22nd, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home, 845 Washington St., Braintree. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 23rd, at 10:00 AM in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Braintree. Burial will follow at the Plain St. Cemetery in Braintree.
For directions or to leave a sympathy message for the family, visit www.cartwrightfuneral.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William, please visit our floral store.