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BORN
1931
DIED
2021
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William Belanger Obituary
Millbury - William A "Sonny" Belanger, recently passed away in the loving company of his daughters Cathleen Bourbeau, Christine Silva, and Lauren Fletcher, and immediate family members on September 6, 2021. He is survived by his grandchildren Joshua, Sarah, Brad, Melissa, Jessica, Jonathan, Jackie, Meghan, and Meredith; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Claire (O'Rourke); parents William A. and Mary Emma (Dillaire) Belanger; son William D. Belanger; daughter Donna Tupa; brother Robert Paul Belanger; and sister Joan Cayer.
Bill was a Worcester native attending St Peter's H.S., graduating from Worcester State College (now University) with a B.S., Ed.M. and accorded the Ella M. Whitney graduation award. Prior to that he served in the U.S. Navy and taught in the Worcester Public School System, while earning an M.N.S. from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Bill was an accomplished carpenter and cabinetmaker.
Bill joined the faculty at Worcester State College in 1967 and during his tenure became an Associate Professor of Natural and Earth Science; Chairman of the Science Departments; grant administrator for in-service science teachers, and held many leadership positions on Campus.
Professor Emeritus Belanger leaves behind countless students who remember him with great fondness. He has been heralded as a favorite instructor particularly in his Intro to Physical Science; Science and Society; and special topical classes in natural science and physics. His students commented on their academic experiences as challenging, mind-opening, thoughtful, and stimulating. His sense of humor contributed to helping students overcome the anxiety of studying physics. His motto was "physics is fun!"
Prof. Belanger was the definitive academic role-model of gentleman and scholar. He retired from University service in 2016.
Bill was a multi-faceted talented man who was a wonderful provider and adored by his family. His passing will leave a void which will never be filled.
Funeral Services are private and in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester. Donations in Bill's memory can be made to honor the caregivers at: Hospice of Western & Central Massachusetts 1325 Springfield Street, Suite12, Feeding Hills, MA 01030.
ricefuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for William Belanger
Sponsored by Rice Funeral Home - Worcester.
6 Entries
Todd Benson
September 12, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones. I worked with Bill for many years at Worcester State University. He was responsible for getting me involved in lots of mischief. I remember the annual statewide science teacher´s conventions held at the old Sheraton Inn. Working with Harold Chapman and Ralph Thorpe, and others, he involved hundreds of teachers in an educational conference paid for by vendors every year. It was hard work, rewarding, and lots of fun. When Ransom Airlines came to Worcester Bill invited me to participate in white knuckle demonstration flights of STOL (short takeoff and short landing) aircraft at Worcester Airport. Bill agreed to chair a campus improvement committee in the 1980s where we met for months coming up with creative solutions to help serve and guide the campus. One summer Bill arranged for tickets and transportation to an air show at Pease Air Force Base where we had VIP seats on the runway for the Thunderbirds. Physics was indeed fun.
Thank you Bill for the fun, knowledge, and friendship.
Kelly Charpentier
September 7, 2021
Bill was a wonderful man. He was brilliant and caring, and welcoming to everyone. He taught me many important things that I will never forget. He will truly be missed. Love always to the family, Kelly
Deb and Dave Turcotte
September 7, 2021
You were blessed with such a kind, special father. His memory lives forever through you.
Love you all.
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Joe and Kathy Charpentier
September 7, 2021
Our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends. May your memories of this loved man bring you comfort in this very difficult time. RIP Bill you will be missed.
Michael Flek
September 7, 2021
Cathy; I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He was a wonderful man who I had the upmost repect for. Again, My deepest sympathy'
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