William L. Hawley Jr. passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, January 10th, 2017, joining in heaven his wife Eleanor, son William and granddaughter Mercedes.

He leaves his daughter Deborah Spence, granddaughters Monique Spence and Nicole Smith, six great grandchildren; Christopher Leanna, Marlon Toon Jr., Justin Toon, Hope Smith, Lucien Leanna and Mitchell Smith Jr. along with an extensive list of extended family and friends. William’s wife of 69 years, Eleanor T. Hawley, passed away October 16th of last year; his son William Hawley III, and his granddaughter Mercedes Spence-Leanna also predeceased him. William was born in Ansonia, Connecticut on January 3rd, 1922 the only child of Julia Lennon-Hawley and William L. Hawley Sr. William attended North High School in Worcester, MA and went on to attend Holy Cross college school of industrial relations. Bill worked in many professions including the dry cleaning business, school custodian, and construction.

Sergeant First Class Hawley served 34 distinguished years of service in the Army, in the signal corps, Military Police and Medics attaining top secret security clearance. Bill served in World War II, the Korean War, and Berlin Crisis. The military suited his sense of order and his code of loyalty in life, love and family. Bill was an avid reader, he read and reread novels about World War II and westerns. William was also a member of the Eastside Post 201, American Legion where he could often be found with his veteran friends. William was also part Shinnecock Indian and served on many American Indian councils.

Calling hours will be on Friday January 20th from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral service will be held Saturday at 10:00 in the funeral home. Burial with full military honors next to his wife and son will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name may be made to the Eastside Post American Legion, 326 Plantation St. Worcester, 01604. Members of the Eastside Post 201 will meet at 6:00 pm Friday January 20th in the funeral home to perform their ritual.