William Charles Colgate Jr. of Derry NH, beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed away October 22nd, 2011, suddenly after a very short illness. He was surrounded at the end by the family he loved. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1959 and served his country faithfully for four years, being honorably discharged as a Lance Corporal in 1963. After that he held various positions and jobs before settling on his own business. William, known as "Bill" to all his friends, owned and operated a successful concrete flooring business with his son Joey for almost forty years. Originally from Massachusetts, he operated this business from Derry NH. He was widely known in business circles in southern NH and Massachusetts for his ability to do the "tough jobs" and was loved and admired by his crew and by all who knew him or came in contact with him. He had an infectious smile, was always in good humor and took care of his family like a 'Don Corleone'. He will be sorely missed by all he touched and especially by his brother-in-law, Carl.
He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Anne L. (Shaughnessy), one son, Joey and his wife Michelle from Derry, daughter Debbie Colgate from San Diego CA, younger brothers, Artie from Franklin NH, and Mark from Homasassa FL, one sister Wynn Larson and her husband Carl from Deland FL, grandchildren, twins Emily & Olivia Colgate, Joshua and Natasha from Derry and Willie Woo who is also from San Diego. He also has a great grandson Wyatt Dube, two very special Aunts, Jessie Fanjoy and Hilda Crescetelli, both of Wilmington, MA, a cousin “Joseph Brown”' who was like a brother, of Wilmington MA and his son Rickey, and numerous other aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Also included are his step-daughter Sheryl and her husband John Czesnowski from Texas, step-son John Eastman from Cape Cod and sister-in-law Loreen Webber, his golfing buddy, from Florida. Last but not least is his best friend from the animal world, his beloved cat named "Toto". He was predeceased by another brother Elwood Colgate in 1987, and his parents, William & Emma Colgate.
Following cremation, memorial calling hours were held on Thursday, October 27th from 4-6PM in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry. A memorial service followed at 6PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA or an animal charity of one's choice, however all prayers on his behalf will gladly be accepted and appreciated.