William Gregory Countie

1932 - 2021

William Gregory Countie

Danvers - March 16, 1932- February 9, 2021

Husband, father, friend, golfer, Barbershopper, businessman and all-around great guy, William G. "Bill" Countie passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. Bill was born in Peabody Massachusetts to Francis I. and Marion (Powers) Countie and was the second of four boys. Bill was predeceased by Ralph and Fr. Charles, and is survived by his eldest brother, Francis I. Countie Jr.

Bill excelled in all sports at St. John's Prep (Class of 1950), continued playing basketball at Merrimack College (Class of 1954) and loved to recount the game their team played against the Harlem Globetrotters. It was at Merrimack that Bill fell in love with his one and only Elizabeth (Betty) Martin (Class of 1956). After a stint in the US Navy, they married and raised their family in Danvers, MA. They were married 63 years until her passing in 2020. Bill leaves five children and their spouses: William G. Jr. and Anne Marie Countie, Kathleen and James Ciman, Ann and Clifford Carman and Maureen and David Benson, Matthew and Jill Countie. He adored his seven grandchildren: Daryl Popper, Audrey Carman, Emily and Daniel Benson, and William, Grace and Kyle Countie as well as his many nieces and nephews.

Following his retirement as an independent insurance broker, Bill and Betty escaped New England winters and found their little piece of paradise in the Foxfire community of Naples Florida. There they enjoyed the sunshine, close friendships, so many club events and competing in golf and cribbage leagues. Bill could be seen daily riding his bike on King's Way, greeting one and all.

"Big Bill" was most proud of his 70-year association with the SPEBSQSA and the Barbershop Harmony Society, where his mighty Bass tones graced the Northshoremen (Beverly MA) and the Paradise Coastmen (Naples FL). He loved the chorus but was especially passionate about quartet singing and performed with many notable quartets including, The Hippy-Crits, the After 5 Four and most recently the Fifth Avenue Quartet of Naples and he was very proud to have been asked to sing along with the Buffalo Bills Quartet of "Music Man" fame. Bill made lifelong friends, mentored many singers and had countless musical adventures along the way. Even at home, Bill could, at any given moment; call the Countie Gang in to sing the tag: "Bring back all those golden days, gone by".

Please join the Countie family in our continued efforts to support Barbershop Singing in America by making a donation in honor of Bill to the local barbershop chapter of your choice or to Bill's favorites: The Northshoremen, 42 Weatherly Drive, Salem, MA 01970 or The Naples-FT Myers SPEBSQSA, Inc., PO Box 111431 Naples, FL 34108.

Bill's wish was to have a gathering of family and friends to include food and music. As he sang, "You can never go wrong with a song". This will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm Street Danvers Square. To leave a condolence and for updated service information, please visit Lyonsfuneral.com.