William L. Hawley, III, a Worcester resident and substance abuse Counselor passed away to the lord at the early age of 64, Sunday, March 17th 2013, with his family by his side after a long battle with several illnesses
     William was born July 7th 1948 in Worcester, the son of William L. Hawley, Jr and Eleanor T. (Neal) Hawley. He graduated from South High School, attended Clark University, WPI, earning his bachelor’s degree in counseling from Worcester State University and his Master’s from Anna Maria College. He has lived here all his life.
     William is survived by his wife Janet L. (Heywood) Mead-Hawley; her children, Jeffrey E. Mead of Worcester and Casandra L. Boyd in San Diego California; his parents, William L. Hawley, Jr. and Eleanor T. (Neal) Hawley; a sister, Deborah Spence of Worcester; three nieces; extended family and many friends.
     Bill was a substance abuse counselor since graduation. He presently was working for the Salvation Army. Bill previously worked for the Prospect House, as well as volunteering for several other organizations.
     Bill was a Native American, a member of two tribes, the Nipmuc tribe and Schahticoke tribe, both in CT. He was a very active member of All Saints Episcopal Church; serving on many church groups. Bill had many hobbies that he loved, including fishing, and reading. He was gifted in Music and played the bass guitar in several local area bands as well as his own. Bill felt his main purpose in life was to help other people. He found immense satisfaction helping those challenged with abuse, overcome those challenges. He found great joy, with his family especially his nieces and nephews. His smile and whit could place people at ease anytime he was around. He will be greatly missed.
     Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Wednesday March 20th 2013 from 4 p.m to 7 p.m in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Thursday, March 21st from the funeral home followed by a service at 11:00 a.m in All Saints Episcopal Church, 10 Irving Street. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. The Family requests that flowers be omitted and memorial remembrances in Bill’s name be made to the many outreach ministries of All Saints Episcopal Church 10 Irving St. 01609.