NAHANT — William F. “Bill” English Jr., age 86, decided on an unseasonably cold and rainy April 16 to seek warmth and sunshine in a better place.
Bill, a lifelong resident of Nahant, was the son of the late William and Frances (Tombeno) English. He was a 1949 graduate of Lynn English High School.
After graduation, Bill joined his father at William F. English Automotive Electrician. The English Garage was located just off the Tobin Bridge in Charlestown and it was there that Bill used his mechanical skills to provide high quality car repair, and his social skills to develop lifelong friendships and relationships with his many customers. After the garage closed due to urban renewal, Bill worked for a short time at General Electric, and he then finished out his mechanical career, until retirement, at Merrimack Valley Distributors. He often volunteered at the Porthole Pub as host and greeter for his lifelong friend Robert Gaudet.
In his younger years, Bill enjoyed lobstering with his brother Paul, playing softball in the Nahant Men’s League and perfecting his skills on the golf course. For most of his life, every weekend you could find Bill at Kelley Greens, sharply attired, playing one, two or perhaps three rounds of golf.
Bill will be remembered for an impeccable wardrobe, his striking eyes, sharp sense of humor, a golden tan, accuracy on the putting green, playing a mean hand of cards and his deep affinity for “the feathers,” aka his bed.
He is survived by his beloved and patient wife of 56 years, Beverly “Sam” (Chamberlin) English; his “fresh as paint” daughter Dawn “Twiggy” Miles; his son-in-law, but son in his eyes, Edward “Partner in Crime” Miles; his adored “movie star” granddaughters, Brooke “Wonder Woman” Miles and Jillian “Hurricane” Miles; and his sister-in-law, Mary Jane “Janie” English. Bill was predeceased by his son, David W. English, his sister Anne English-Santucci, his brother Paul S. English and his nephew, Paul S. English Jr.
Although no longer physically with us, Bill’s spirit as a loving husband, Dad and Papa will remain in our hearts forever.
Service information: Visitation will be Saturday, April 21 from 9-10 a.m. in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Nahant, immediately followed by a memorial Mass at 10 a.m., followed by burial in Greenlawn Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Those unable to attend are requested to play a round of golf, tell a one-liner, or enjoy a vodka and soda with two limes in his memory.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 800 West Cummings Park, Suite 3100, Woburn, MA 01801. Arrangements are by the SOLIMINE Funeral Home, Lynn. Directions and guestbook at www.Solimine.com.
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