HIRAM- William James Tate passed away on Nov. 19, 2025, at Maine Medical Center.
He was born at Fort Bragg, North Carolina on April 20, 1938, the son of the late Herman and Madeline (Allen) Tate and the stepson of the late Donald Stone. He was raised in North Carolina and moved to Shrewsbury, MA in 1954 where he graduated from Major Beal High School in 1956. He was preparing at Worcester Jr. College, for his acceptance to Worcester State Teachers when he accepted a job offer in the emerging Fluid Power Industry, this included 10 years with Leen’s Power Engineering Co.
In 1960, Bill married Sandra Leah Germain and together, had 3 children. They lived in MA, NH and following his career, moved to ME in 1978 to start his own company. In 2001, his son, William joined his company, paving the way for his full retirement.
In 2007 After living in Falmouth, ME for 30 years, he and Sandra built their retirement lake house in Hiram, ME where he enjoyed fishing, golf, woodworking and especially playing chess with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sandy; his son William and his wife Elizabeth, and granddaughter Joanna and grandson Samuel; his son Jeffrey and his wife Michelle, and granddaughters Madeline and Samantha and grandson Henry; his daughter Catherine Whitehead, her husband Richard, and granddaughter Hilary McCarthy and husband Gregory and great grandson Myles, grandsons Timothy and Charles, and his wife Cora and great granddaughter Charlotte. His sister Doris Joyner.
Calling hours will be on December 5, 2025, from 2pm to 4pm at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., Cornish.
In his memory, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.mainefuneral.com