...father of 6, Union Pipefitter, Veteran; 86
TEWKSBURY - William C. “Bill” Feran, 86, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and proud United States Marine, passed away peacefully at home on February 3, surrounded and cared for by his family.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years and love of his life Martha (Cooney) Feran, his children, Michele Feran and her husband Alan Greenberg of Montreal, Michael Feran and his wife Colleen Bonno of Baja, Mexico, Martha Camarda of Somerset, N.J., Suzanne Flanagan and her husband Kevin of Reading, Marianne Feran and her husband Rick Healy of Melrose, Terence Feran of Everett, nephew Patrick Feran and his wife Ellen of Haverhill, 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was born on September 28, 1932, in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, as the tenth and last surviving of ten children of Fred and Blanche (King) Feran. After his mother passed away when he was seven months old, Bill was adopted by his paternal uncle, J.L. and his wife Elizabeth (Wall) Feran and raised in Somerville as one of their six children. The family had a summer home in Tewksbury to which they moved permanently when Bill was a teenager.
Bill attended Tewksbury Memorial High School where he played football, basketball and baseball and was a representative to the Boys State leadership and citizenship program. Upon graduation in 1950 he immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served with distinction for seven years, rising to the rank of technical sergeant. Bill served in Korea from 1950 to 1952 during the Korean War.
Bill worked for several decades as a pipefitter and was a proud member of Pipefitters Local 537.
In addition to raising his six children with Martha, Bill built the family home in Tewksbury and spent time coaching CYO basketball, Little League Baseball, and youth hockey. He also served in leadership positions in local baseball and hockey organizations.
He enjoyed a long, happy retirement, spending time with his family, doting on his cat, Taz, woodworking, and feeding the birds, wild turkeys (and squirrels) who lived contentedly in his yard.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, February 5, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Tewksbury Funeral Home, corner of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Sts. (Rte. 38) TEWKSBURY CENTER, Ph. (800 in MA or 978 851 2950. Family and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass, which will be celebrated at St. William Church, 1351 Main St. (Rte. 38) Tewksbury, on Wednesday, February 6 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Tewksbury Cemetery at 172 East St. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to the Oblate Fathers' Infirmary Fund, 486 Chandler St. Tewksbury, MA 01876 or Tewksbury Community Pantry, 999 Whipple Rd. Tewksbury, MA 01876. Visit: tewksburyfuneralhome.com