William J. "Bill" Meyers Sr.

1921 - 2014

BUCKLAND - William J. "Bill" Meyers Sr., 93, of 115 North Street, Buckland, died Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Center for Extended Care in Amherst.
He was born in Buckland, June 19, 1921, the son of George and Eleanor (Delaney) Meyers.
Bill was a 1939 graduate of Arms Academy in Shelburne Falls. After high school graduation he was employed by A&P grocery store in Shelburne Falls for three years prior to entering the United States Army in 1942.
A WWII veteran he served his country from November 19, 1942 until January 19, 1946. He was a radar operator and repairman performing maintenance and repairs of designated mobile or fixed ground radar equipment, diagnosing malfunction of parts and effected necessary repair and replacements using precision electrical and electronic devices and instruments and small hand and light machine tools. He served on various islands of the Western Pacific Theater. He received a Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Company Campaign Ribbon and an Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon Victory Medal.
After his honorable discharge in 1946 he enrolled in American International College in Springfield. He graduated in 1949. He then went on to Boston College to obtain his Master's Degree in Education.
He married the former Vera Hreschuk of Springfield in 1950. They moved to Shelburne Falls where Bill taught at Arms Academy for some time as an English teacher.
From 1960 until 1969 he taught English and was the Media Coordinator at Schuylerville (NY) Central School. He could also be seen in the summers at the Buckland Rec as the Coordinator of the Pool Maintenance.
From 1969 and until he retired in 1982 he was employed by B.O.C.E.S (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) in Saratoga Springs, NY. He was the Director of Educational Communications and coordinator of the adult education program.
In retirement another busy lifestyle emerged!
Active in town government he served as town Moderator in Buckland for many years beginning in 1960. He also served as selectman and was a school committee member of the Mohawk Trail Regional School District. He worked for the Shelburne Falls Fire District.
He was a life long member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Shelburne Falls. He volunteered many hours of service to his church as lector, altar server and many committees.
Bill was an avid Red Sox fan! He loved to travel whether to Boston to a game or to Las Vegas! He expressed a great love for his family and adored his grandchildren to whom he was very attentive.
He was predeceased by his wife Vera in June 2010.
Survivors include 2 sons William Jr. (Sharon) of Colrain, Stephen of Buckland; 3 daughters Anne (George) Mislak of Greenfield, Barbara Jazab (William Farkas) of Enfield, CT, Mary Brooks of Buckland; grandchildren Laura Jazab, Gregory (Mary) Mislak , Joseph Jazab and partner Izabella, Rebecca (Deval) Desai and Jocelyn (Chris) Barnes and 1 great-grandson Brock Barnes as well as several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son-in-law Jeffrey Brooks in July 2010, his brother John Meyers, his sister Mary Wetherbee and a nephew Joseph Meyers.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, November 11, at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Tony Cullen, pastor, and retired pastor Rev. John Roach officiating. Burial will be in Arms Cemetery in Shelburne Falls.
Calling hours will be Monday evening November 10 from 6-8 PM at Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 34 Monroe Ave., Shelburne Falls. Ma 01370.
To send a message of condolence visit:
smithkelleherfuneralhome.com