William F. Coonan, Jr., 75, of Worcester, passed away Friday, February 20th in St. Vincent Hospital following a long period of declining health. His wife of 54 years, Joan A. (Downer) Coonan predeceased him in February of 2014. He leaves three sons, Michael G., William S., and Timothy P. Coonan, all of Worcester; six grandchildren, Meghan, Kelly, Christina, MacKenzie, Glenn, and Danny Coonan; and several nephews and nieces.

Bill was the son of William and Gladys (Blanchard) Winters Coonan and was predeceased by a sister, Pearl (Winters) St. Laurent. He was a graduate from St. Peter’s High School Class of 1957 as senior class president and enjoyed an outstanding athletic career resulting in his induction into the St. Peter’s Guardian Hall of Fame. Bill was a four year starter in baseball, a three year starter in football, and a four year member of the basketball team. He was co-captain of the baseball and football teams and was selected to the Telegram & Gazette All-City teams, the Catholic Conference, and the All-Catholic Free Press All-Stars. His most memorable game was a three-touchdown effort as St. Peter’s beat St. John’s 20 to 7 at Fitton Field on Thanksgiving of 1955.

Bill was active in school and parish activities as a soloist in the Sacred Heart, St. Peter’s, and St. Paul’s Cathedral choirs and played the lead role in the St. Peter’s Senior Operetta. He attended the University of Connecticut and Worcester State College prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army.

He was employed as a credit and collection manager for 22 years with firms such as St. Vincent Hospital, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, and Wright Line Corp. Bill later went into the newspaper business in sports reporting and advertising with the Auburn News as editor and assistant publisher. He remained involved with youth sports as a coach and officer with the Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth Little Leagues, as well as the Vikings Pop Warner football program. He was an avid golfer as a longtime member of the Hillcrest Country Club. He was also a member of the Main South and Growler’s League. Bill retired in 2013 from Lusignan Security due to health issues. He and Joan most enjoyed time with their sons, camping with family, and attending ballgames. Thank you to Bill’s many caregivers; Dr. Mark Shrank, the VNA Care Network & Hospice, and the staff of St. Vincent Hospital.

Bill’s funeral is Friday, February 27th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a Mass at 10:00 A.M. in St. John’s Church, 40 Temple Street. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, February 26th in the funeral home. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to VNA Care Network & Hospice, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608 or St. John’s Food for the Poor Program, 44 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604.