William (Bill) D. McKellar, 74, of South Pasadena, Florida and Brewster, Massachusetts passed away October 2 in Cape Cod, MA. Born in Waterbury, CT on August 5, 1947 to the late Donald and Olivia McKellar (Anderson), he grew up in Watertown and lived in Thomaston for 36 years before becoming a snow bird during retirement.
Bill leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend of 45 years, Charlotte McKellar, as well as his his daughter Heather McKellar and husband Powell May; son Donald McKellar and wife Lauren, and grandchildren Adriana, Olivia, and Liam, and his “out-law” Jeanne Leach. He was a cherished middle child in a close-knit family and predeceases his four siblings and their spouses, Nancy and Al Mattison, Donald and Candace McKellar, Elizabeth and Michael Sardis, and Holly and Philip LeFevre, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.
Bill was a proud Air Force veteran and had a long career with the State of Connecticut. He was incredibly handy, learning plumbing from his father and always having a project to do around the house. He was an avid traveler who loved packing his minivan to the brim for road trips, taking cruises, and seeking out history and art while visiting friends and family. Bill was an excellent cook who made many outstanding meals as part of a long-lasting international dinner club, served as boil master for lobster bakes with friends, and was in charge of the perfect roast for large holiday dinners where everyone was invited to pull up a chair. He loved the outdoors, especially clamming and fishing with his children, grandchildren, siblings, and nieces and nephews. He had a soft spot for children and dogs, always spoiling the kids and keeping a bag of treats in the freezer for the pups. Even in recent years as he battled Parkinson’s Disease and heart and lung issues, he never stopped traveling, telling stories, finding new projects around the house, talking to everyone he met, and generally enjoying life.
Bill had a huge heart and always opened his doors to others in need of some warm clam chowder or advice on where to find the best deal. He defined family as more than blood and leaves behind a large extended network that shares a collection of memories that will be blessings for years to come.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Watertown, where he was a 50-year member and served as a deacon, on October 23 at 10:30 am. He will be laid to rest in January 2022 in Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation or The Michael J. Fox Foundation.