Philmore A. “Butch” Willey, Jr, 81, of East Bridgewater, MA. passed away, after a long illness, on November 16, 2018 at Brockton Hospital with his wife of 43 years by his side.
Phil and his sister, Catherine Geraldine were born and raised in South Boston. The children of Philmore Willey, Sr. and his wife Catherine (Keady/Cady). Upon graduating from South Boston High, he joined the Marine Corps and was stationed for awhile in Okinawa, Japan. Sgt. Willey was honorably discharged on November 14, 1961.
After his time in the Corps, Phil drove trucks for Coyle Transportation throughout Boston before becoming a Patrolman for the Hanson Police Department on August 8, 1970. He proudly served the community of Hanson for 29 years, retiring as a Lieutenant in 1999.
“Once a Marine, always a Marine” was certainly true with Phil. He and Mary were active members of the National and New England Chapter of the Third Marine Division Association. He was in charge of the Dedicated Marine Page and later President of the Association. For years, they enjoyed traveling to the reunions and spending time with their Marine Corps friends and seeing different parts of our country.
Phil was an avid reader, enjoyed watching the History Channel, was interested in politics, and always enjoyed a good joke! He especially enjoyed his Saturday morning coffee at Dunkin Donuts with his friends.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary (Queripel). He also leaves behind his sister in-law Elaine (Queripel) Koski and her husband Mike, of East Bridgewater; his brother in-law Sydney Queripel and his wife Linda, of Quincy; and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Funeral Services on Saturday, Nov. 24th at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 322 S Franklin St, Holbrook. Burial will take place at Northville Cemetery, Oak Street, Route 14, East Bridgewater. Visiting hours will be held Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street, Route 58 at Rotary, Whitman, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil’s memory to the New England Chapter of the Third Marine Corps Division Assoc, attn: Deane Taylor 48 Captain Standish Drive, Abington, MA 02351-2606.
“Mary would like to thank everyone for all their love and support during this difficult time. With a special shout out to all the wives of the police and Marines, for the role they silently play in supporting their men in uniform. Ooh Rah!”