LONGMEADOW – William L. "Billy" / "Big Dog" Nyman, 76, of Longmeadow and a former longtime resident of Ellenton, Florida, was called safely home on Saturday, December 20, 2025. He passed into eternal life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family and close friends. He was born in Springfield on December 1, 1949, a beloved son of the late Alarick A. Nyman, Sr. and Jacqueline (Marcil) Nyman. He was predeceased by his sister, Suzanne Nyman; his brother, Alarick A. Nyman, Jr., and his brother, Robert W. Nyman. He was raised in Springfield, graduated from the High School of Commerce and was an incredible athlete having excelled in hockey and soccer. Billy also had a heart of gold and had a gentle hand toward animals. He resided in Enfield, Connecticut before moving to Ellenton, Florida. Billy moved to Longmeadow in 2022 where he resided the remainder of his life with his daughter, Ashley. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and attained the rank of Specialist Four while receiving the following commendations: Meritorious Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Army Commendation Medal, and a Sharpshooter M-16 award. Billy was part of RECON where he was responsible for conducting deep ground reconnaissance, gathering intelligence, and conducting special operations behind enemy lines. The time Billy spent in Vietnam fighting for our country has been featured in a book titled 'The Only War We Had' by Michael Lee Lanning. After returning from Vietnam, he worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier, serving Indian Orchard neighborhoods. Billy then worked at Dow Jones in Chicopee as a journeyman where he spent the remainder of his career printing and distributing the Wall Street Journal and Barron's. He was a member of the Disabled Vietnam American Veterans where he helped raise funds and brought awareness to homeless and disabled Veterans. He was also a former member of the Indian Orchard Knights of Columbus in Springfield. During his leisure time, he was an avid golfer and hockey player and had played with the Collins Tavern Team of West Springfield. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and his many friends. He leaves his loving daughter, Ashley Nyman of Longmeadow; his two dear brothers, Jeffrey Nyman and his wife, Debra, of Feeding Hills and John Nyman of Longmeadow; and his many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends. His family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104 with United States Army Military Honors following the Mass. His burial will be private. There are no visiting hours. His funeral arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the William L. Nyman Athletic Fund in care of Ashley Nyman, PO Box 60821, Longmeadow, MA 01116-0821. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit:
www.stpierrephaneuf.com