William Howard

Mr. William L. Howard, 78, of 154 Walker St. North Adams, passed away early Sunday morning, February 23, 2014, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, surrounded by his loving family, after a 13 year battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was born in Lynn, MA on May 24, 1935, son of the late Clyde and Helen (Trainor) Howard. He moved to Williamstown at age 7, where he was raised by his foster parents, Louis and Vivian (Larabee) McLain. He attended Williamstown Schools, and graduated from the former Williamstown High School in 1953. He was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving with the US Air Force from 1954 until his Honorable Discharge in 1957. Bill first worked for the former A & P Supermarket in North Adams for many years, until 1982. He then worked for Adams Laundry and Dry Cleaning Co. in Adams until retiring in 2000. He was a communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, North Adams, and of the former Notre Dame du Sacre Coeur Church. He was a member of Dr. George L. Curran Post 996 Veterans of Foreign Wars, North Adams. He was the ultimate family man who enjoyed every moment spent with his wife, his two boys, and his grandchildren. He was a lifelong New York Yankees and Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams fan. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, the former Denise A. Beauchemin, whom he married on Sept. 12, 1959 in Notre Dame du Sacre Coeur Church; his 2 sons, Keith Howard of Adams, and Brian Howard and his wife Barbara of Manlius, NY; his grandchildren, Kevin, Stefanie and Alexandra Howard; a sister-in-law, June McLain of Williamstown; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his foster brothers, Stewart and Ralph McLain. Bill's family would like to thank the staff members at Berkshire Medical Center and at Williamstown Commons for the excellent care they provided to Bill in his final days. The funeral will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27th, at 9:45 AM from the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in St. Elizabeth's Church, North Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery, North Adams. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires, 877 South St. Pittsfield, MA 01201.