William H. Phair, 73, a resident of Danville, NH, passed away Christmas morning after a 2-1/2 year courageous battle with cancer. Born and raised in Lawrence, MA, he attended the Lawrence Public Schools.
Bill was employed by Philips Academy in Andover where he served as the Chief Engineer for 25 years prior to his retirement. During his years of employment, he earned several engineering degrees. Bill possessed a strong work ethic and had a passion for knowledge. Always just a phone call away, he took great pleasure in helping and sharing his wisdom with all who needed it.
In his younger years he spent many years driving stock cars, and years to follow would still attend the races as often as he could. Bill was also an avid sports fan and he took pleasure in watching his favorite Boston teams. Cooking, carpentry, mechanics and gardening were just a few of his favorite past times that he enjoyed. Bill especially loved being with his family and friends and his devotion to them was limitless. He was a member of the Lawrence Lodge of Elks, B.P.O.E. #65 as well as the Concordia Club. Bill had been a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Lawrence and attended St. Anne Church in Hampstead, NH.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife Eleanor (Maranto) Phair and his loving mother Katherine (Konjian) Phair. he is predeceased by his father Francis Phair. Bill is also survived by his daughters: Susan D'Agati and her husband James of Danville, NH, Lauren Wilson and her husband Kevin of Salem, NH, and his son: William J. Phair of Derry, NH. he is also survived by his sisters Geraldine Byrne and her husband Robert of Arizona, and Patricia Ball of Danville, NH, brothers Alan Phair and his wife Janet of Atkinson, NH and Robert Phair of Hampton, NH, as well as his sister Kathi Minahan of Hudson, NH.
Bill was predeceased by his brother Francis Phair. He is also survived by five grandchildren Austin and Kendra Wilson, Julianna and Alec D'Agati, and Kyler Phair.
The Phair family would like to thank friends and relatives for their support. A personal thank you to the Doctors and staff of the Brigham & Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Merrimack Valley Hospice, and the Homecare personal caregivers for their thoughtful, kind and gentle care.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. in Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Rd., Salem, NH. Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence, MA. Family and friends may call on Monday, December 28, 2009 from 3 to 8 P.M. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury St., Lawrence, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brigham & Women's Hospital, ATTENTION: Mesothelioma Program, 75 Francis St., PBB 239, Boston, MA., 02115.
To send an online condolence or for more information, please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.