NEW BEDFORD — William C. "Bill" Bancroft, age 87, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2012, at Sacred Heart Nursing Home. He was the loving husband of Joy (Mathiesen) Bancroft, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.
A lifelong New Bedford resident, he was the son of Henry C. and Evelyn H. (Sparling) Bancroft. He was a graduate of New Bedford High School and he worked as a Cost Estimator at Acushnet Company-Rubber Division until his retirement.
He was a veteran of the United States Navy during WWII serving in the South Pacific as a sonar man.
He was a member of the Easter Star Masonic Lodge and the VFW-New Bedford. He has been a valued member of the Greater New Bedford Garden Club since 1987.
Bill and his family enjoyed camping and with his wife, Joy, traveled across the United States and visited all the states, including Hawaii, with the exception of Alaska.
In addition to his wife he is survived by a son, Daniel C. Bancroft and his wife, Kimberly of New Bedford; three daughters, Elayne P. Santos and her husband, Paul of Fairhaven, Dyan J. Martin and her husband, Glenn of New Bedford and Lori J. Pequita and her husband, Edward of Woodstock, GA; a brother, Thomas S. Bancroft and his wife, Eileen of Dartmouth; also six grandchildren, Adam, Tabitha, Ariane, Abram, Joshua and Amique; eight great-grandchildren; two nieces; one nephew; and several cousins.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, February 19, from 2-5 p.m. at the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., at the corner of Elm St., New Bedford. Funeral service to be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 133 School Street, New Bedford, MA on Monday, February 20, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Veterans Organization of your choice