F. William Kobel Jr.

F. William Kobel, Jr., 67, of Auburn, passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Bill leaves his wife, Marilyn M. (Ditaranto) Kobel; a daughter, Justine LaPierre of Shrewsbury; two sons, Christian Kobel and his wife Sara and Adam Kobel and his fiancé Shelly Galusha, all of Auburn; a brother, David Kobel and his wife Gail of East Brookfield; a sister, Marilyn Stevens and her husband George; his father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Congetta Ditaranto of Auburn; six grandchildren, Maria and Anthony LaPierre, Kamryn, Shea and Kali Kobel, Kelsie Galusha; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank Kobel, Sr. and Mary (Cronin) Kobel, and also his son-in-law, Robert LaPierre who passed away in December 2009.

Bill graduated from Clark University in Worcester and from The Graduate School of Banking at Brown University. His career in banking spanned forty-four years, having started at Bay State Savings Bank in Worcester. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of North Brookfield Savings Bank from 1996 until his retirement in January 2009.

Bill was a champion of community banking and was recognized for his many accomplishments. His involvement was instrumental in the establishment of the North Brookfield Youth Center. He was past president of the Rotary Clubs both in Worcester and the Brookfields, and was a member of the Auburn Lodge of Masons. He was honored by the House of Representatives for outstanding leadership in the Quaboag Valley Area Business Community.  He was also a director of Friendly House in Worcester.

In 1999 he was recognized by the State Senate for receiving the Sam Walton Business Leader Award. He was also honored by the Worcester Common Ground Land Trust. He served as Vice President and Treasurer of the Mohegan Council, Boy Scouts of America, and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award a local council can bestow on a volunteer.

He was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Auburn.

Bill was a loyal Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. He loved golfing, fishing and spending time on Cape Cod. He enjoyed many things throughout his lifetime but was happiest when he was with his family and friends.

His genuine caring disposition towards others made a lasting impression and he will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

The family is deeply appreciative of the exemplary care and compassion extended by the medical, nursing and support staff at UMASS Medical Center and UMASS Hospice.

Bill's Funeral Service will be celebrated on Monday, August 16th at 11am  in First Congregational Church, Church Street, Auburn, MA. Interment in Hillside Cemetery, Auburn will be held privately. Calling hours for Bill will be held on Sunday, August 15th from 4 p.m to 7 p.m in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UMass-Memorial Cancer Center or UMass-Memorial Hospice, either in care of UMass Memorial Foundation, Development Office, 333 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

To leave a message of condolence or for directions and further information, please visit

www.mercadantefuneral.com