William J. Behrens, Sr., 79, of Ballard St., died suddenly on Thursday, July 15, 2010, at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Rita M. (Glidden) Behrens of Oxford who died in 2009; a daughter, Elizabeth "Beth" A. Behrens of Oxford who died in 2006; two brothers and three sisters. He is survived by five children, Theresa St. Germain and her husband Charles of Oxford, Joseph Hedge of Oxford, William J. Behrens Jr. and his wife Cheri of Webster, Louise Lindberg and her husband Lee of Webster, and Peter E. Behrens and his wife Donna of Oxford; a brother, Richard Behrens of New York; eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and several nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Peter and Louise (Mann) Behrens, and lived in Oxford for the past 45 years.

    Mr. Behrens was a machinist at Wyman-Gordon in North Grafton for many years, retiring in 1989. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War, serving aboard the U.S.S. Worcester. He was a life member and past commander of the V.F.W. Post 5663 in Oxford. He was past junior vice commander of the District 8 VFW and belonged to the Cooties. He was a volunteer on the Oxford Fire Department many years ago.

    A funeral will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 19, 2010, from Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a graveside service with full military honors at 10 a.m. at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave., Paxton. Calling hours are Sunday, July 18, 2010, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Oxford Memorial Honor Guard participating.