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William McGair Obituary
He was the beloved father of eight children: William J. McGair, Jr. (and wife Marilyn); Joseph J. McGair, Esq. (and wife Jane); James J. McGair, Esq. (and wife Martha); Marcia McGair Ippolito, Esq. (and husband Hon. Joseph Ippolito); Marilyn F. McGair, Esq. (and husband Dr. Jerrold Pollak); Marion J. McGair, Esq.; Robert A. McGair and Thomas A. McGair. He was the loving grandfather of seven grandchildren: Charles McGair, Melanie Moisan; Jeremiah McGair, Esq.; Brendan McGair; Sarah McGair; Meredith McGair; and Matthew McGair.
Mr. McGair was the son of the late William F. and Anna Frances (Sullivan) McGair. He was also the brother of the late Ann Lyons; Francis McGair; Helen Hubert; and John McGair.
A graduate of Providence College, Boston College Law School, and Boston University Law School with a Masters degree in Taxation, Bill McGair was a prominent R.I. attorney for sixty years and handled many high-profile cases. He served as Providence Senior City Solicitor and, was a member of the American Bar Association, the RI Bar Association and was its editor in chief of the RI Bar Journal. He was a founding member of the RI Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and was always available to other lawyers who sought his advice. He was a founder and Board member of the St. Thomas More Law Society and the Justinian Law Society, the Knights of Columbus and was a member of its Fourth degree, Cranston Lions Club, Estate Planning Council, RI Yacht Club, Metacomet County Club, Red Feather Charities, Our Lady of Providence Parents Council and the Serra Club. He was a 60-year parishioner of St. Paul Church in Edgewood.
During World War II, Bill served as a Naval Intelligence Officer and was commissioned to attend Princeton and Harvard to learn the deciphering of enemy codes and was stationed in Panama City where the codes were broken. After the war, he served as an adjunct professor at Roger Williams College and Johnson and Wales University and was an administrator of the Veterans Administration. In 1952, he was a mayoral candidate for the City of Cranston.
The funeral will be held Friday at 8:30 a.m. from the Russell J. Boyle and Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road, Warwick. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Paul Church, One St. Paul Place, Cranston. Burial, with military honors will be in Saint Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Paul School, 1789 Broad St., Cranston, RI 02905. boyleandsonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William McGair
November 27, 2009
RIP my friend
October 23, 2009
Kiki to all
Mary Higgins
October 18, 2009
I'm remembering my Uncle Will and I just want my cousins to know that I am thinking of you this month as well as keeping you in my prayers.
Love,
MaryT
Thomas McGair
November 22, 2008
On behalf of my Dad, Thanks so much to all who visited this site, for all the comforting & loving remembrances.
He left such a positive indelible impression on many lives & remains a constant source of inspiration for me to do better & achieve more for the betterment of all.
As Dad would say to all "Keep up the good work."
Love, his son,
Thomas
Marilyn McGair
November 19, 2008
Thanks to all who have left a message. The McGair family really appreciates your condolences. Bill was a wonderful man and led a wonderful life. As we approach the holidays - we need to celebrate his spirit and know that he is with us.
Jim Hansen
November 14, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tamello Family
November 14, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Anne Johnson
November 14, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Johnny Sousa
November 14, 2008
Sincere sympathies to the McGair family. BIll was a fine man.
Joe Z
November 14, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. God Bless You.
Andrew T.
November 13, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
TLC
November 13, 2008
McGair Family:
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Donna M
November 13, 2008
McGairs:
So sorry to hear of your loss. The Judge was a pleasure to work with through the years and I will forever remember is wisdom.
Sarah J.
November 13, 2008
To Judge McGair's Family:
Deepest sympathy on the loss of a wonderful man. God Bless you all.
EWL
November 13, 2008
Dear McGair Family:
I was so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. As a former attorney in the greater Providence area, I had the pleasure of working with him on many occasions. My sympathies to you all.
Nick and Family
November 13, 2008
Dear McGair's:
Sorry to hear of your loss. Bill was a wonderful man who was so proud of his children and all of their accomplishments.
You are in our prayers.
Joshua
November 13, 2008
Condolences on Bill's passing. He was a fine man who loved sharing stories of his family.
He will be missed by many.
Ron
November 13, 2008
McGairs:
Sorry to hear of of the Judge's passing. He was a great man and an exceptional human being.
John
November 13, 2008
So sorry to hear about Bill. He was a great man and I treasure the memories of the many years we worked together.
Emily
November 13, 2008
Dear McGair Family:
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Judge McGair for many years. He shared a great many stories about how proud he was of his family and was always a perfect gentleman. Please know that you are all in my prayers.
Lisa St. Pierre
November 12, 2008
Dear Marion and Family,
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Although we did not know your father personally, we do know he must have been a remarkable gentleman to achieve all that he did in his lifetime. We pray that his memory will always bring you peace and joy.
With deepest heartfelt sympathy,
Michael, Lisa, Mike and Dave St. Pierre
John Rooney
November 3, 2008
Joe
Irene and I send our sincere simpathy to you and your family. We are in Florida and are sorry we could not attend the Mass for your Dad. He is in our prayers. John Roonay
November 2, 2008
To the McGair Family:
Please accept our sincere sympathies from the Fox and Simas families at the passing of your Dad. We all have such happy memories of times at St. Paul School and Church. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Mary Fox Simas
Sandy
November 1, 2008
To the McGair Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your dad was someone special. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I worked for the podiatrist that treated him. Your dad spoke of his children with great admiration. He was so proud of you all. I always looked forward to your Dad's next appointment. May you find comfort in knowing that others are feeling your loss.
Donna Dwyer
October 31, 2008
Joe,
I am sorry about the loss of your father at this time. I wasn*t able to go to the wake or funeral. Its hard to loss a parent. My father*s anniversary (l6th) was Saturday. My mother followed 139 days after. It seems like yesterday when I got the news. I*m still in the same house. I*m looking for a job but had to apply for Soc. Security to have money to pay the bills.
Alicia F. Taft
October 30, 2008
To the McGair Family:
Please accept the heartfelt sympathies of the entire Taft family at the passing of your father. We all have very happy memories of life together in St. Pauls' parish. Please convey my sympathies to your dear mother and sisters Marcia, Marilyn and Marion). May he rest in Peace.
George de Tarnowsky
October 30, 2008
Joe;what a family your father and mother raised. I'm sorry for your loss, but what an honorable and fulfilling life he led. My prayers are with you and your family for the repose of your father's soul.
Nikki
October 30, 2008
Bob (Ram),
My deepest sympathy to you and your family - he was a kind-hearted soul. We had a lot of goods times together (you, me and your Dad)!
Love,
D'Ster
Lisa Petitto
October 30, 2008
Joseph, my prayers go out to you and your family. What a man. I can see where you get it from. I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family and your dad will be in my prayers.
Carolyn Ranucci
October 30, 2008
As a secretary at the Providence Law Department, I had the pleasure of working with Judge McGair. He was such a joy to work with - and such a gentleman.
He always had interesting stories to tell and everyone benefited from his wisdom.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Carmine DiSanto
October 30, 2008
o The McGair Family: My wife and I express our deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of your devoted husband and father. A very devoted and dear friend. We had many conversations together and it was a joy to be in his presence. God bless you, Bill, and your family.
Love,
Carmine and Tina DiSanto
Bill Darcy
October 30, 2008
Marcia,
You and your family are in our prayers at this time.
Bill, Bonnie, and Will Darcy
Deirdre Cerasa
October 30, 2008
To the McGair Family;
On behalf of the late Helen and Mike Hession, I send sympathy on the death of Judge McGair. Growing up in Edgewood was a joy. I cherish the memories of St. Paul's and I remember my parents talking in later years of times with the McGair family. His Honor certainly has a wonderful legacy. May the thoughts and prayers of so many sustain you during this sad time.
Sincerely,
Deirdre Hession Cerasa
Connie (Ippolito) Leonovich
October 30, 2008
The McGair Family
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Your Dad will always live in your heart, in your memories, and in the way you see the world.
May you find comfort in his presence all around you.
Maureen & Bob Conlon
October 30, 2008
Joe
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief. May fond memories of your father comfort you at this difficult time.
Larry Simon
October 29, 2008
Marilyn & Jerry,
Sorry to hear about your father. He certainly was an impressive man. I am sure that such a life well lived will live on for ever.
Sincerely,
Larry Simon
My God Parents and Cousin Jimmy at my Baptism
Mary Higgins
October 29, 2008
I would like to offer my deepest condolences to my family, The McGairs, for their loss. This man is my "Uncle Will" and both he and my "Auntie Rita" are my God Parents. They have been very good to me and my family throughout my whole life. I am very proud of my uncle and his accomplishments. He was so smart; I used to tell my mom he had a photographic memory. The wisdom he had was phenomenal. All of my cousins were very smart too and they are still making their accomplishments. As a child, I remember all of us cousins "Hooping it up" with him in the parlor at their home. When Chip (my second cousin) was little, he used to call him "Chips & Fish". I have never forgotten that. He was always "hooping" with Chip and his sister Melanie, along with their cousins Brendan and Meredith when they were little. He was their "Poppy". He loved children so much which is why I have such happy memories of him. We spent many Holidays together over the years. My Auntie Rita is my mother's (Shirley Kenney Higgins) older sister and the children are my 1st cousins. My aunt would literally give you the shirt off her back if she knew you liked it and so would the girls. She would also offer her purse to anyone that needed it. She is very generous to my family to this day. I have many happy memories as a child to present day of my Uncle Will and the rest of the family as a family. Growing up, we cousins spent a lot of time together and when I was going to CCRI, I used to stay over at their house every Thursday night. Marcia, Marilyn, Marion and I were night owls and we spent many late hours up in their big bed room playing the stereo. Us girls always danced together then and down in their family room as younger teenagers. I say "If we keep on dancing, we will be forever young in our hearts". Also, on those Thursday nights that I slept over, I used to enjoy listening to Bobby playing his guitar and singing all the Beatle songs. He has a nice voice and a talent for music. When I went to bed in the den, I fell asleep listening to him sing. My youngest cousin in the family is Tommy and he is the same age as my sister Patti. He's grown up into a very handsome man and I used to see him on TV. I also remember my mother yelling down to the family room at Charlie (my brother), Bobby, Tommy and Patti to stop "hooping". Us girls still talk about that to this day and have a laugh. At the time, none of us knew what she meant. I also remember my three older cousins Billy, Jimmy and Jay as young adults with their finance’s. I vividly remember all the weddings. I went to Jay's and Jimmy's and had a blast. Us kids bonded and hooped it up all over the place and we never even got yelled at. Billy was married in Maryland so I was unable to be at their wedding, however, when he and Marilyn came to visit us in CT, he used to tune my guitar and play it for me. For many many years I saw Jay and Jimmy's family on Sundays. Us women hung together upstairs in that big huge bedroom (I was so amazed how big it was) so I guess the men including my dad were downstairs somewhere bonding or napping. After all, it was Sunday. I cherish these memories and many more as the McGair family is a big part of my life and always be with me in my heart no matter what. To sum things up, although my "Uncle Will" has passed on, he will be sadly missed my many, but he always be in my heart. I'd like to think that his is with my other Uncle, Billy Kenney (mom's and Auntie Rita's brother). I am very proud of them and of the Kenney name. I always said that if I ever had a son I was going to name him "Kenney" after my mother's maiden name and if I had a girl, "Olivia" after my Grandmother, Olive. Speaking of names, I inherited two nicknames from the McGair family, "TT" when I was a little girl and MaryT when I became older. I know this is long but I wanted to share my fond memories with the family at this difficult time.
Ok, I'm all done now, so with my sincere sympathy and love for you all, May God Be With each and every one of you through this difficult time. I would also like to include my Parents, Charlie and Shirley Higgins, Brother, Charlie Higgins III, and my Sister, Patti Girard in this entry.
Lots of Love,
MaryT
paul fuller
October 29, 2008
Dear Jim,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your father. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. He was a legend on Betsey Williams and throughout the state. He had a wonderful life and family!
Love,
Paul and Barbara Fuller
PS- Deirdre sends her love to M. and all of you!
Anna Stetson-Providence City Clerk
October 29, 2008
To Judge McGair's Family..
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of a great man.
Dad, Mel & Bloom Girls
October 29, 2008
Some of the Grandkids
October 29, 2008
The Eight "Kids"
October 29, 2008
Bill, Rita (Godparents for Neice Mary T. Higgins) & Jim
October 29, 2008
Bill's Mother - Anna Frances Sullivan McGair
October 29, 2008
Joe (infant), Bill Jr., Rita and Nana in Fla
October 29, 2008
Bill in the Navy
October 29, 2008
Rita & Bill Wedding
October 29, 2008
Bill's Engagement Picture
October 29, 2008
Paul Deery
October 29, 2008
Dear Joe,
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your father. May you find peace in the Lord during this time of grief and always.
The Mournighans
October 29, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to your family from ours. We will never forget the contributions by his whole family to the St Pauls and Edgewood community. May God grant eternal rest and his heavenly peace on the Mcgair family.
Nickie from Rhode Island Cardiology Center
October 29, 2008
Ms. McGair,
So sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vincent "Buddy" Cianci, Jr.
October 29, 2008
To the McGair family,
My sympathies to you during this time. His Honor was a good friend to me and I have many great memories of him. We spent many Holidays together. He was a man of great integrity and has done so much for his community. He will be missed. My prayers are with you.
wally pickford
October 29, 2008
Dear Jay: I am very sorry for your loss. Your father was a good man and a spirited Irishman, like you. May he rest in peace.
Pat and Lenny Conway
October 29, 2008
Dear Rita and family : We are very sorry to hear of the loss of Bill. Please know that all of the McGairs are in ou thought and prayers during this difficult time,
Susan (Midgley) Johnson
October 29, 2008
To all my Cousins: I was saddened to read of my second cousin's passing. It has indeed brought back the days when I would be called out of the 1st grade classroom by your Grandfather, my Uncle Willie to be given a Quarter. Then I would frequently see your father, my 2nd cousin at my Grandmother and Grandfather's home (Annie McGair Midgley)your Dad's Aunt .(My Dad is Richard J. Midgley) at 31 Amsterdam Street where Aunt Nellie McGair Finnegan lived upstairs. It is a time for remembering. May he rest in peace with all of his loved family that predeceased him. Sincerely ...on behalf of the Midgley Family our condolences to all of you.
October 29, 2008
To the McGair Family,
My deepest sympathy on your recent loss.
Sincerely,
Bud Alves
Patricia Picano
October 29, 2008
Dear McGair Family:
Please accept our deepest sympathies in your time of sorrow. May your memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
The Picano Family
Arthur Sylvester
October 29, 2008
Joe
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief.
Arthur & Mona Sylvester
Joseph DiSanto
October 29, 2008
To all the McGairs, I am so sorry to hear of the death of Bill, may God Bless you all, he was a wonderful friend, and a caring person.
Don Assalone
October 29, 2008
Joe,
I'm sorry to have to offer my condolences to you and your family from a distance. Be assured that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Time and faith will assist you with this, one of life's greater challenges.
Kathy Bush Silva
October 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Maria Svirsky
October 29, 2008
McGair Family,
Please accept our love and heartfelt sympathy. We hope your grief is soothed by the knowledge that as his children and grandchildren you have given your Dad pride, joy and happiness beyond all reasonable expectations. It is that very sense of fulfillment that gives our generation the courage to accept the sureness of our own mortality knowing that we will leave behind children and grandchildren who will make the world a better place.
May warm memories surround you and bring you comfort.
Love,
Maria,Tom, Nicole & Tommy Svirsky
JOSEPH PISCOPIO
October 29, 2008
OUR CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF YOU.
WE HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF YOU AND JOE.ALSO YOUNG JOE.GOD'SBLESSINGS
JOE AND CAROLYN PISCOPIO
Gail from Gibbs College
October 29, 2008
Dear Ms. McGair
I'm sorry to hear the loss of your father. I'm sure he was a very special man and will be missed by many.
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