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William Taft Obituary
1934 - 2025
Hampden
William H. Taft, Sr., of Hampden, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 91 years old. William was born on November 7, 1934, in Long Branch, New Jersey, the son of the late Philip Taft and Willye Tennis Taft. Known as "Ziggy" by many of his oldest friends, he was raised and educated in Monson, Massachusetts. William honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps, serving in the Air Wing Division. He took great pride in his service and carried that sense of duty throughout his life. A lifelong automobile enthusiast, William owned and operated William Taft Antique Car Restoration, where his craftsmanship and attention to detail were widely admired. He also worked for many years as a used car sales manager at local Ford dealerships throughout the area. In addition, William was a proud and dedicated stone mason, and built many beautiful stone fireplaces. He enjoyed many hobbies, especially those centered around classic automobiles, and he cherished time spent with his family. In his later years he was a very devoted caregiver to our mother. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his wife Dorothy (Alberta) Taft in 2022, four brothers Edwin, Philip, Robert and Alexander Taft and two sisters Lillian Peck and Jacqueline Taft. William is survived by his three sons: William Taft Jr. and his wife Linda of East Longmeadow, MA, Edward Taft and his wife Joan of Somers, CT, and James Porreco of Holyoke, MA. He also leaves his six adored grandchildren, Travis, Brandon, Ryan, Hannah, Kate, and Amanda, and his four great-grandchildren, Rhett, Luna, Rachel, and Olivia, who brought him immense joy. The family would like to thank the VA Hospice staff, the staff at East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing, and Dr. Sanjay Timilsina at Baystate Hospital. All services and burial will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01118.
Memories and Condolences
for William Taft
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5 Entries
hannah
January 17, 2026
my favorite person that i´ve ever met, i still can´t wrap my head around the fact you´re really gone. i get the urge to call when i think of you. one of my favorite memories with him was when he agreed on going for a drive right after i got my license. we took a long drive around hampden, monson, palmer, and we eventually got lost. laughing and giggling about the scary and narrow roads we went down, we finally got back home in one piece. grandpa was always there to cheer me up and never failed to tease or make jokes. telling me i should drop of out of school and start working on trucks was one of his favorite things to tell me. i loved talking to him about trucks. his trucks, my truck, the price of gas, and everything in between. hearing him speak about the true joys in his life was something i always admired about him and the fact that he took pride in everything he did. he truly was the light at every family function, and i loved every second spent with him. i looked up to him immensely; not only how successful and hard working he was in his lifetime, but how well he spent his time here on earth. all the times i went to visit him, there was always a new story about his crazy adventures he encountered. there was never a dull moment with him, whether he was playing guitar for everyone or in his garage doing what he loved most. i wish i could write forever about how beautiful of a person you were. i couldn´t have wished for a better role model and grandfather to walk me through the beginning of my life. i´ll forever cherish in my heart the beautiful relationship we had. i wish we were given more time together. i hope you´re doing all the things you love with grandma, and i can´t wait til the day we meet again. sending a bottle of scotch and a johnny cash cd up to heaven for you. i love you with all my heart
T.Lobban(NEH)
January 8, 2026
Bill I cried when I heard you passed but also smiled because our last encounter was all smiles and laughter.You definitely brought joy to my heart each day with you and I will keep you in my mind and heart always.Rest peacefully Darling.
Allie Gaetano
December 31, 2025
Grandpa Taft was one of my favorite humans in the world- I´ve had many fond memories of him- from sledding down his hill in the backyard and hanging out around the holidays with his fake teeth and all of his jokes he always had. He will greatly missed.
Jeannine
December 31, 2025
I was so sad to find out that Mr Taft passed away.I remember meeting him when I first was dating my husband.Bill took us to his parents house and Bill sr and Dottie opened up their home to a crew of not sober individuals!He brought out his guitar and they cooked venison and we all laughed.He liked to make people laugh.My family and I always looked forward to seeing Bill sr and Dottie on holidays and family gatherings.Dottie with her sparkling blue eyes and he with a witty comment.You knew he liked you if he picked on you.Rest in peace Mr Bill Taft with Dottie and your family.I can guarantee that your already telling jokes and playing your guitar.Love you Jeannine
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The Staff of Byron Keenan Funeral Home
December 23, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center1858 Allen Street, Springfield, MA 01118
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