William B. Magnell
Retired M.W.R.A. Machinist
TEWKSBURY: William B. Magnell, age 81, a resident of Tewksbury for 49 years, formerly of East Boston, passed away at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on Friday, January 3, 2014.
He was the beloved husband of Dorothy P. (MacInnes) Magnell, who passed away on April 11, 2007.
Born in Boston on January 28, 1932, he was the son of the late Joseph and Hilma (Bibbey) Magnell.
Mr. Magnell was raised in East Boston and attended East Boston High School.
In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean war with the 4060th Field Maintenance Squadron. Mr. Magnell was awarded several decorations for his military service including the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Prior to his retirement in 2011, he was employed as a Machinist by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and the Massachusetts Metropolitan District Commission for more than 52 years.
Mr. Magnell resided in East Boston until moving to Tewksbury in 1965.
He enjoyed playing the drums and was a member of several area bands. In addition, he enjoyed feeding the birds in his yard and spending time with his family.
He is survived by one son, William T. Magnell and his wife Cindy (Schwalb) of Tewksbury; two grandchildren, Andrew and Samantha Magnell both of Tewksbury; one sister, Sandy Ivers and her husband Thomas of Brockton; also many nieces, nephews and in-laws including his sister-in-law, Helen Magnell of Tewksbury.
Mr. Magnell was the father of the late Donald J. Magnell and brother of the late Florence Hartman, Eddie, Wally and Joey Magnell.
Calling hours are Tuesday, Jan. 7, from 5-8 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. His funeral will be held Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 9:30 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by his graveside service at 10:30 a.m. at the Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA 01923.