“I never met a man I didn’t like. “ Will Rogers
Such are the words that Bill Stott, who departed from this life on January 3rd, 2017 lived by. His compassion and love for both life and people, was unparalleled. Bill brought light into any room he entered, and his vibrant personality and intelligent wit brought the gift of laughter to everyone.
Bill was born on December 3, 1923, to Harriette and William L. Stott. His sister Rosemary Stott Best, and brother Raymond, predeceased him. He attended South High School, and was deployed immediately after into the U.S. Navy, serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He was a signalman on the YMS 319, a small wooden mining ship, which swept for Japanese mines in the battles of Pelelia Palau, the Phillipines, Okinawa, most famously, the Battle for Leyte Gulf. The latter was the most important because the Navy had seriously crippled the Japanese fleets. The Battle for Leyte Gulf remains the greatest Sea Battle in history. Bill received six battle stars, and numerous medals, and citations for his brave service. He was a major Figure in the Greatest Generation.
Bill became a Worcester Police detective for the City of Worcester. He served his city with dignity, respecting all the juveniles he worked with. His heart was so large that he felt empathy for the perpetrators, who he would work diligently for in trying to rehabilitate them.
Bill married his beautiful sweetheart, Betty in 1943. Together they raised three daughters, who were given the riches of uncompromised love and attention. Our dad would always say that he wished all children were loved as much as he loved us.
Police work was a segue for his next profession as the Supervisor of Attendance for the Worcester Public Schools.
Bill’s moments of pleasure were spent with his loving family, and dear friends. He especially loved his cottage in Salt Air Village in Dennisport, Ma. He also loved being on a ball field watching his great-grandchildren playing sports. His hero in life was Ted Williams, and he was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Patriots.
There has never been a finer man, father, grandfather or great-grandfather than William P. Stott, affectionately known as “Bumpa”.
He will be enormously missed by his family, including his daughter Patricia Johnson and husband Richard Johnson of Shrewsbury, with whom he resided, Kellie McCarthy and husband Gary of Selma, N.C. and Linda LeFrancoise of Worcester. He also leaves his adoring grandchildren, Bill and Jill Johnson, Casey and Siobhaun Johnson, Melissa and Mike Pope, Laura and Andrew Mikkola, Robbie L’Heureaux, Tyler McCarthy, Michael, Deanna and Jason LeFrancois.Great grandchildren, Brady, Macey, and Charlie Johnson, Luke and Dominic Johnson, and Noah Mikkola. He also leaves his much-loved dog and companion Madison.
He was predeceased by his loving wives, Betty in 1989, and MaryEllen in 2016.
Bill’s lasting legacy will be the sense of humor he imparted to the world.
His funeral will be held Saturday, January 7, 2017, from Callahan-Fay-Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester, with a Mass at 11:00am in Blessed Sacrament Church, 500 Pleasant Street. Visiting hours are Friday, January 6, from 4:00-7:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester.