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William Poisson Obituary
Born in Fall River, Bill was the son of the late Paul Poisson and Irene (Emond) Poisson. He graduated from Warren High School in 1965 and attended Bryant University and Roger Williams University. He served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
Mr. Poisson spent 36 years in the electronics industry. He started with the Coto Corporation and advanced to the position of Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. He founded Poisson Associates, as an electronic component sales representative. For the last 19 years, Mr. Poisson has been president of the Isotek Corporation which he created. Isotek is the North American agent for Isabellenhutte Heusler of Germany, RARA Electronics of South Korea, and Rhopoint Instruments of England. Bill was also a former president of the Electronic Industries Alliance and the Electronic Representatives Association and had presented professional seminars on the synergistic properties of electronic components. He also co-authored several technical articles for various trade publications.
Bill was an avid boater and had a lifelong love of the water. He loved cruising Narragansett Bay, Block Island, and Martha's Vineyard on his boats Great Escape and Encore. He cherished traveling and vacationing with Jennie in Naples, Fl and throughout Europe. He also took great pleasure from long walks taken alongside his devoted German shepherd, Paddy, down to the beach from their home at Weetamoe, where Bill held the position of Association President for many years.
He leaves two daughters, Beth Martins of Palm Coast, FL, and Sandra Castigliego of Bristol, RI. Bill was the grandfather to Alysha, Emily, Sandra, and Roberto. Bill is also survived by his siblings Jackie Poisson of Westerly, Steven Poisson of Rehoboth, Paula Pereira of Warren, and Ronald Poisson of Bristol. He had several nieces and nephews.
His funeral will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. from the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI followed by a service at 10:30 a.m. in the Holy Trinity Church, 1956 Main Road, Tiverton, RI. Calling hours Tuesday from 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hudner Oncology Center, c/o The Office of Development, St. Anne's Hospital, 795 Middle Street, Fall River, MA 02721.
For online condolence shared memory books, information or directions go to www.sansonefuner alhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Poisson
Danny Prevost
May 18, 2009
As Bill became sick I found myself grief stricken beyond what I could explain in words. As the days passed I felt a need to understand the magnitude of my feelings. I thought back to when Bill and I first met. He remembers this better than I do as he told me the story many years later. My dad introduced us because Bill needed help waxing his boat I and did that kind of work. We were at the old Isotek address on Wilbur ave. and he came out to check on how I was doing as Bill would kindly do. He said, "hey it’s looking good" and according to Bill I said, "I am not happy with the way it came out - I am doing it again" Bill replied, "OK." That was the beginning of our relationship and I didn't realize the significance of it until recently. The significance is that Bill and I had something major in common: we demanded excellence from ourselves and had high expectations from others. This similarity is one of the reasons that Bill and I were so close.
As I continued to ponder our relationship I realized we had many more similarities. As our business relationship progressed it became something much more. It was different with Bill and Jennie than the rest of my customers. Many times after cleaning the boat or the cars they would invite me to stay for a drink on the boat or for dinner. They welcomed me into their life in a way that none of my other customers did. The relationship between Bill and I grew and it was no longer about business but about spending time with each other. During this time Bill and I became really close. I welcomed him into my life as well, seeking advice on careers, schooling, and relationships. I enjoyed our conversation and valued his opinion. Looking back on our conversation I realized that we had many of the same interests and values: business, boating, cars, being proper, meticulousness, and generosity just to name a few. These shared values and Bill's willingness to let me into his life is what I felt made us so close. As much as his death hurts me now I would not change us being as close as we were. I am grateful to have had him in my life, he was a truly amazing man and I wish we could have had more time together. Unfortunately, that's not the case and this saddens me. However, I take comfort in living my life in a way that I know would make him proud. I am proud to have had so many things in common with Bill and will keep many of the things he valued alive in me. I am grateful that Bill let me into his life with such openness and generosity; to me, Bill will always be my Godfather, my friend, and a part of my family.
Much Love to Bill.
Much Love to Jennie.
May 8, 2009
Through Jenny I had the privilege of knowing Bill for over 15 years. The first time that I met him was in the house by the sea when I would frequently fly over to the USA for meetings in Connecticut.
Bill was always bright, warm and engaging with a concise and direct way of expressing himself. I often felt that he had an ‘old school’ integrity – all too rare these days. He embraced all kinds of people and was forgiving and immediately sympathetic to those less fortunate. His character, imbued with an intelligent humility and zany humor was always a delight.
Latterly Bill found his soulmate and life partner in Jenny. They became a compact and robust couple, well matched and deeply in love. Enthusiastically they had laid out wonderful plans for a future which clearly considered extended periods in their English country cottage, the condominium in Florida and of course, sailing and being with friends and family in Rhode Island. Now, tragically not to be realised
The last time we saw him was when they stayed with us in London and shortly after his first experience of extended and aggressive surgery. His trip then took him to Germany. He was clearly in pain, something he bore with great stoicism, and reluctantly taking strong medication. Over the recent years Jenny has been a selfless, remarkable support with the last twelve months seeing her considerable energies resolutely focused on finding the best physicians and treatments for her treasured husband.
Bill achieved much in his life, he was respected and much loved. I am amongst many whose lives are richer for knowing him and he left us far too early
A considerate and generous individual, he will be much missed
Our sincerest condolences
Martyn,
Alice, Daisy and Lola.
Notting Hill
James and Denise Budd
May 3, 2009
Bill always thought of others, was kind, generous, considerate and absolutely full of fun. We will always remember him with with a smile on our face.
From the whole family, Denise, James, Joanna and James
Mike & Linda Pilgrim
April 27, 2009
From Naples, Florida. We will miss you Bill and the great times at dinners and in our condos. Jennie, we look forward to seeing you soon.
Ann Goldstein
April 25, 2009
Dear Jennie,
No words are adequate. Simply know that I hold you close to my heart and wish you gentle healing...
Ron and Nancy Slay
April 23, 2009
Dear Jennie,
We are so very grateful and honored to have had Bill share a part of our lives. We will miss him, but will always celebrate his life because we have such wonderful memories.
You have our sympathy, our support and our love forever. We will always be there for you.
Tricia Ashby
April 22, 2009
Although we spent very little time with Bill, we have fond memories of him. Easy to get along with, and a great sense of humour. Very saddened to hear of his passing. All our love Jennie, we know you adored each other. In our thoughts, Tricia & Kevin
Tina Gross
April 21, 2009
From Tina and John Gross, Dorset, England. We were devastated at the news of Bill’s passing and cannot express our sympathy to Jennie enough. Bill was a true friend and gentleman, wise, caring, considerate and generous. We know how much Bill and Jennie loved and adored each other. Bill loved his family and our condolences also go to his mother, siblings and children.
We are grateful for the time we spent with Bill and Jennie last year, a time for one last hug. Tina especially remembers Bill’s consideration when he sent her several bags of Starbucks Coffee just before he went into hospital for his first operation, as if he didn’t have enough to think about!! That’s the kind of guy he was.
We are all the better for having been blessed with such a friend.
God Bless and Goodnight Bill.
All our love and prayers Jennie
Robert Fruggiero
April 21, 2009
My memories of uncle Bill are mostly from my youth. I enjoyed sailing and talking with him. Unfortunately, I've spent the last 27 years living abroad and have missed spending time with him. I send my condolences to all of his family.
ELAINE READ
April 20, 2009
Dear Jennie,
Not knowing that Bill was sick, it was such a shock to hear of his passing.Since moving to Texas,12 yrs. ago,we have not seen either of you much,but we were so pleased when Bill came to Austin a couple of years ago, and we were able to spend some time with him. It was great reminiscing about our boating days.
Please know you are in out thoughts and prayers.Please keep in touch.
Love,
Harry & Ernie
April 20, 2009
Dear Jennie;
Betty and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear husband Bill.
Please know that we keep you in our prayers at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Dick & Betty Carlone
Estero FL
April 20, 2009
Dear Jennie,
I cannot even begin to tell you how undone we were when we read Billy's obituary in the Journal..........Never did we think he was ill ----- he was always sooooooo vibrant, healthy, happy...We always enjoyed his company soooooooo much......
Please know that our thoughts & prayers are with you & the girls at this very difficult time....
Bob & Tootsie
Jay Bowerman
April 20, 2009
Bill was a man of integrity and a pleasure to work for. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you reflect on a wonderful life lived, from all of us at Big Island Builders
Kris Sofley
April 20, 2009
Bill was a dear and cherished friend and my heart and prayers go out to Jennie, his daughters and their families, his mom and siblings and to all those who knew and loved him. He was a good man, who loved his family and friends and we're all the better for having known him.
Bruce Goes
April 20, 2009
Dear Steve and family; I am very sorry for your loss. Your best friend and now your brother. I feel for all of you and hope Bill is resting with the Angles and tipping back a cold one with Pete.
Norm & Irene Ferreira
April 20, 2009
Norm and I wish to express our sincere sorrow in hearing of the death of our dear and generous friend, Bill. He was a kind, gentle, man. We remember his love of the water and boating and how he shared it with us joyfully. We remember his and Jennie's visits to us whenever they came to Florida. The dinners and great coversations. Our love and prayers for both Jennie and Bill as he begins a new journey
Sandra Fairclough
April 20, 2009
From Stephen & Sandra Fairclough in Singapore: We send all our love and prayers to you Jennie on the loss of your beloved Bill. He was an amazing man whose spirit and energy transformed the people he met. We are proud and honored to have known him and to have such happy memories of him and you together. May you find comfort in his glorious memory and unending love. A Mass will be said at Saint Ignatius Church in Singapore in his memory on Thursday morning and my children and I will be present. May he rest in peace
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