Ahearn Funeral Home

04/25/2026

Sandra Whitcomb

Sandra Susan Whitcomb, 80, died peacefully with her soul-mate by her side on April 18, 2026 after a brief illness.

Sandra was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on September 11, 1945 to George Marshal Whitcomb and Dorothy (Johnston) Whitcomb. She was raised in Chelmsford and obtained her BA, Masters, and Doctorate from UMass. Sandra worked at AFDC, Big Sisters Association, and in child protective services. Most of her work life however was at UMASS in student health services. Amongst other responsibilities she developed and directed a student assistance/court diversion program for students living in the dorms (REAP). She loved both the students and the work.

Sandra was a kind and giving personality who had high expectations of those around her. She had a sharp wit and intellect but loathed sarcasm and did not suffer fools. Her favorite places were the Berkshires where she met her husband, Bailey Island, Maine, and Italy, especially Florence and Pienza. Flowers and cats brought smiles as did the quietude of her home in the country. "The sweetness of doing nothing" were words to live by.

Sandra is survived by her husband of 55-years Bob Malikin. They were truly best friends. She also leaves two daughters Jara (Florence) and Nora (Germany), their respective spouses Daniel Sirois and Ronen Ravinovich, and her three grandchildren Alex, Maren, and Doron. All were loved and cherished.

All services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Meekins Library in Williamsburg.

View Sandra Whitcomb's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/24/2026

View Rodney Kunath's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/19/2026

Rodney Kunath

Rodney Knaul Kunath was born in Boston, MA on August 20, 1941, and began his childhood in Needham Heights. Rodney became deaf at eighteen months of age due to a severe ear infection, being unable to be treated with penicillin due to World War II and a shortage of the drug. His mother and a visiting teacher of the deaf homeschooled Rodney until 1946, when at the age of five, he entered Clarke School for the Deaf in Northampton, MA. Rodney remained at Clarke until his graduation in 1958. While at Clarke, Rodney was a Boy Scout and Eagle Scout, attending Camp Chesterfield for several years. He organized the "Theodore Roosevelt Hiking Club" for hiking around in Northampton and Florence and swimming on the Mill River in Bay State Village. As an avid Red Sox fan, Rodney loved his annual Clarke School trips to see the Red Sox play at Fenway Park, not knowing he would one day meet Ted Williams with his dad at a golf course in Dedham !

Upon graduating from Clarke, Rodney returned to his hometown of Needham and entered Needham High School, graduating in 1962 and then attending Bentley College of Accounting. Rodney was very close to his family, working in the family business at Mansbrooke Rainwear Company in Needham Heights for ten years as a young man. In Needham, he also assisted Needham police with training on how to use their new teletype (TTY) machines for the deaf. He also worked as a computer operator and supervisor for 21 years at Honeywell information Systems in Newton and Waltham before moving back to Northampton. Rodney then worked thirty years at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in the Environmental and Patient Billing Systems Department where he was well-loved and made many good friends. He served on the hospital's recreation committee while he was employed with Cooley Dickinson. Rodney also did maintenance jobs at Northampton Wire Company and then at Rockridge retirement facility from 1993 to 2006.

Rodney was a devoted alumnus of Clarke School for the Deaf, where he was a volunteer and a member of the Clarke School Alumni Association from 1958 to his passing. He served as Director over 25 years and President for 5 years. Rodney loved Clarke School and was so proud to be considered Clarke's "historian", where he maintained an office safeguarding historical papers, photos, and other archives. He was a writer and edited The Clarke School Alumni Bulletin newsletters. In 1992, he was instrumental in organizing the first Clarke School Alumni parade to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Clarke School and organized the first Clarke School float that appeared in Northampton's 350th anniversary parade in 2004. He was also instrumental in the 2017 re-dedication of the first Clarke School campus rock on Gothic Street, in observance of the school's 150th anniversary.

Rodney was an avid traveler. His adventures took him on canoe trips in northern Maine, climbing Mount Katahdin and canoeing on the Allagash River with the St. Croix Voyageurs. He went on fishing and camping trips in Vergennes, Vermont and Four Forks in Maine. He also went on a trip on a Dutch freight and passenger ship to Central American via the Panama Canal, to pick up 45,000 bunches of bananas from Ecuador, commandeering the huge Dutch banana freight and passenger SS Carrillo. Due to this adventurous experience with the ship, he tried to join the US Navy, but was rejected due to his hearing disability, a great disappointment. He went on three trips to Germany and Austria, renting a car and driving over 2,500 miles. He experienced the Oktoberfest in Munich and visited various castles including Reifenstein Castle, in which his relatives on the maternal side used to live before immigrating to the US after the Revolution of 1848.

He owned several cars over the years, driving many of them in parades around the state. He had a 1934 Chevy Master sedan, 1941 Ford V8, 1947 Northampton fire truck and “Reddy" the 1954 Chevy Bel Air convertible. He enjoyed entering the vehicles in numerous parades such as the Holyoke St. Patrick's parade and South Boston’s St. Patrick’s parade, Memorial Day parades in Florence, 4th of July parades in Needham and Amherst, the annual Calvin Coolidge Memorial, the first Clarke School Alumni parade in 1992, the 350th anniversary of the City parade and the Veterans Day and Polish Heritage Day parades in Northampton. Rodney was a founding member of the Friends of the Home Origination for the Deaf, an organization that provided entertainment for Elders living in the New England Home for the Deaf in Danvers. He served as President from 1976 to 1982.

Wherever Rodney was living, he became involved in his community. He was the treasurer of the Fellowship Club at Christ Episcopal Church in Needham Heights, a member of Needham Historical Society, a 32-degree Mason and Shriner for 20 years in Needham and Boston and a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church for the Deaf in Brookline from 1964 to 1985. He was also a member of the German club in Walpole and hosted the captain and two sailors from the German Tall Ships to stay overnight at his Needham house in 1983. They in turn invited Rodney to a tour of the ship followed by a traditional German dinner of sauerkraut, cabbage and sauerbraten at the Captain’s table.

Rodney was very involved in the community of Northampton where he lived for many years. His civic involvements were many. He was a proud member of the Northampton Elks #997, the Northampton Lions Club where he was a director and received several awards including the Melvin Jones Fellow in 2011 and the Val Zewski Fellowship Award in 2010. He was a member of the Eagles Club, the Bay State Association, Northampton St. Patrick's Association and one of the Directors of Cooley Dickinson Hospital's Recreation Committee in planning family picnics and Christmas parties. He was member of Northampton's Historical Society, the Historical Commission, and the Northampton Disability Commission. Rodney was a member of the Civil War Trust, Vintage Chevrolet Club of American and a member of the Calvin Coolidge Foundation at Plymouth Notch, VT.

An avid fan of Grace and Calvin Coolidge, he made many trips to historic Coolidge Homestead in Plymouth Notch, VT where he and the Clarke School pupils, staff and his friends met Calvin and Grace's son, John and his wife Florence Coolidge. He had an extensive library of vintage Civil War books, including the memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant. He received several awards such as the Clarke School Alumni Hall of Fame, James Brennan Award from the Northampton St Patrick's Association, the Melvin Jones Fellows, Northampton Lions Val Zewski Fellowship and the President's Appreciation awards from the Northampton Lions Club, Employee of The Month awards from Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and a photography award from the Northampton Historical Committee.

At Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, he was a member of the Northampton Disability Committee, where he spearheaded getting new teletype (TTY) machines for deaf patients, getting closed captioning on televisions and ensuring deaf employees and patients had interpreters. He was also very involved in Northampton politics and ran for Ward 4 City Council in 1991 and 1995, after helping his deaf friend Kevin Nolan become the first deaf city councilor in Northampton in 1985. He also helped the Northampton police department's fundraising for Police Association Programs. He was a member of the Northampton Historical Committee, where he was instrumental in the restoration of the turrets on top of the 1849 Northampton City Hall.

Rodney lived a rich and eventful life with many friends. He had numerous interests and hobbies including collecting coins and stamps, German Beer Steins, antique milk and soda bottles, Stere-O-scopes and vintage postcards. He was a Civil War buff with an extensive library and made three trips to Gettysburg. Rodney spent many hours taking photographs and scrapbooking. He had a memorable collection of Calvin and Grace Coolidge's press photos. He also visited the Antietam Battlefield, Harpers Ferry, Ford Theater and the Peterson House, where President Abraham Lincoln passed away after being assassinated in 1865.

Northampton was a special place to Rodney. After graduating from Clarke School in 1958 and missing his beloved city so much, he made frequent trips back to visit his friends before finally moving back in 1985. Rodney was comfortable to be deaf, which enabled him to help others in need. He always extended special thanks to his mother and Clarke School for teaching him speech and lip reading that enabled him to enter the" Hearing World!"

Rodney is predeceased by his parents, Lillian Reifenstein Kunath and Otto Knaul Kunath, and his former wife Helaine Lefort with whom he remained friends until her death in 2017. He leaves his beloved sister Pamela Weisman-Hoagland, her husband, Peter, and his nephews Loren Weisman and Roger Weisman, his grandniece Olivia Weisman and their families and two godsons, James F. Dunton Ill and Edward T. Corbett, Jr.

Rodney will be sorely missed by his many friends who so enjoyed his company! He was a special person who took his adversities and turned them into opportunities for a lifetime, embracing everyone and everything as a new and wonderful part of his world and theirs.

Calling hours at AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 Bridge Road, Northampton will be Monday, April 27, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M.

Family and Friends will gather directly at Bridge Street Cemetery, Northampton for a Graveside Service on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Sarah Buteux, Officiant.

Rodney would appreciate that any donations be made to the New England Homes for the Deaf, c/o Development Office, 154-160 Water Street, Danvers, MA 01923-3794

View Rodney Kunath's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/19/2026

Patricia Ann Ciesla

SOUTH DEERFIELD – Patricia Ann “Pat” Cielsa, 83, passed away peacefully Thursday morning at her home. Pat was born in Worcester, a daughter of Irish immigrants (Co.’s Roscommon & Kerry), Thomas & Anna (Donoghue) McGreevy. She grew up in Worcester, attending local schools, graduating from the Academy of the Sacred Heart and the Ward School of Business. She worked in Worcester and Darthmouth, NH in her younger years, before meeting John Ciesla, and they were soon married. Initially living in New Hampshire, then Greenfield before settling in South Deerfield in 1974. John and Patricia built their home and raised their family there and would reside here for the next 50+ years. Patricia was involved as a childcare specialist, caring for numerous children in South Deerfield over the years. She especially was adept at handling twins, that Irish lilt in her voice and gentle touch led people to call her the baby -whisperer. She was very active in South Deerfield, a communicant of Holy Family church, longtime member of the South Deerfield’s Women Club and the South County Senior Center, where she was a familiar presence. She had many wonderful friends and spent time with them as much as possible, whether taking trips or doing crafts at the Senior Center. She will miss you all ! She loved the beach, especially Hampton Beach in NH. Shopping in those little unique gift shops anywhere she went. She had an eye for fashion and loved to show off a new outfit. Pat’s beloved husband, John “Jack” Ciesla passed away on May 13, 2014. She was also predeceased by her parents, Thomas & Anna and siblings; Kathleen Martellotta and Ellen Lewis. Pat leaves her loving children; Tammy M. Ciesla and her partner Charles Turner of Windsor, MA and John Thomas Ciesla of South Deerfield. Her dear sister, Mary McGreevy of Simsbury, CT and many nieces, nephews and especially her “grand-dogs”, Irish Red & White Setters that she spoiled and loved. Mom, (Pat) was a ray of light. She walked into any room and lit it up with her kindred spirit. She not only cared for all her little children she took care of, but she cared deeply for her family and friends. And she absolutely adored her grand dog "Tippy". She leaves a lifetime of friends near and far, especially her South Deerfield friends who will always be near and dear to her heart. So many hearts have been deeply touched by her genuine love and laughter. And one last wish as we celebrate her vibrant life... since she loved bright colors and flowers, we will come dressed in colorful colors to celebrate her, and we ask all who attend to do so, as this is what she loved!

The family will receive friends at AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 8:30 to 10:30 A.M. There will be a Religious Service at the Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. with a light luncheon to follow.

Burial will be in the afternoon in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Springfield. (Directions will be available for those who wish to attend).

To honor her memory and love for children, we kindly ask for donations to be made to the St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

View Patricia Ann Ciesla's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/18/2026

Phyllis P. Rogers

NORTHAMPTON – Phyllis P. (Hanlon) Rogers, 90, formerly of Northampton passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning in Amherst with her family at her side. Phyllis was born in Easthampton, growing up there and attending local schools. She was a student at the former St. Michael’s High School in Northampton until she had to leave and help take care of her siblings. Phyllis worked for Pro-Brush in Florence for many years, and after retiring, she was a familiar face at General Cleaners in Northampton as her second career. She married Normand Rogers and they settled in Northampton to raise their family. Phyllis and Normand enjoyed many years of marriage, family and memories before his passing. Phyllis enjoyed Bowling, square dancing and she especially enjoyed spending quiet time with a good book. She leaves her beloved family; Sharon Partridge (Albert) of Chicopee, Theresa Chase (Mark) of Florence, Kevin Rogers of Williamsburg, Shawn Rogers of Northampton and Timothy Rogers (Ginger) of West Hatfield, sixteen grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren She also leaves her siblings; William Hanlon of Bernardston, Mildred Towle of Claremont, NH and Hazel Waller of Florence and many nieces and nephews. She was sadly predeceased by two children; Normand Rogers and Cynthia Ahern as well as brothers; Larry, Eugene, Edward and Ronald Hanlon and sister Shirley Lutz. The family will receive friends at Ahern Funeral Home, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. followed by a Service of Remembrance at 11:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home. Burial will be private. Donations in her memory may be made to - Alzheimer's Association - @ alz.org

View Phyllis P. Rogers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/14/2026

Thomas Matthew Kovar

Thomas Matthew Kovar, 71, of Florence passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital following a courageous multi-year battle with cancer and other underlying health conditions, surrounded by his wife, son, and siblings.

Tom was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, where he attended Newton High School before graduating from Wesleyan University in 1976. He earned his master’s degree in social work from Smith College School for Social Work in 1980, following in the footsteps of his mother, Barbara Pettee Kovar-Selling. Tom built a distinguished career as a psychotherapist and social worker, dedicating 15 years to the VA Medical Center in Leeds, where he worked with veterans with mental illness. Among his many gifts as a case worker, Tom had a unique ability to respect the self-determination and dignity of his clients. He worked for many years as a family clinician in and around Northampton and served as Site Director for Child and Family Services at the Center for Human Development in West Springfield.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom was legendary in his communities for his warmth, loyalty, and gift for maintaining deep connections across decades and circles—from the Wesleyan diaspora to the Northampton music scene, from Newton natives to fellow birders, writers, and Boston sports fans. He was a skilled guitarist and an accomplished songwriter who released several CDs of his own music. A longtime member of “The Retroverts,” Tom played with Wesleyan-connected bands and had Pioneer Valley musical partnerships too numerous to name.

An avid birder with an impressive life list, Tom was passionate about environmental sustainability. He was a devoted political progressive who dreamed of a society where no one was denied health care or other necessities. Like his late father, Edward Kovar, he enjoyed debate and discourse, and participated in community events that transcended politics. He frequently helped clinch wins in local trivia and spelling bee competitions. Tom’s good-natured insistence on proper spelling was part of a wider love of language, and he dedicated time to writing fiction in his retirement. Tom loved to explore western Massachusetts and outer Cape Cod, where he knew all the back roads and navigated without using GPS; he preferred to follow his own sense of direction.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Marcy Waliser, their son, Samuel Waliser Kovar; his stepdaughter Chantele Paquin-Olmstead of Westford, Massachusetts and stepson Ethan Olmstead, of Westport, Connecticut, and their families; siblings Richard Kovar and his wife, Justina Kelliher, of Philomath, Oregon; Peter Kovar and his wife, Paula Kowalczuk, of Takoma Park, Maryland; and Jessica Lichtenstein and her husband, Mark Lichtenstein, of New York City; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held at a time and place to be announced.

In his memory, donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy or the Northampton Survival Center.

View Thomas Matthew Kovar's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/14/2026

Diane Louise Truesdell

Diane Lousie Truesdell, 78, of Village Hill Rd passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness at Cooley Dickinson Hospital on Thursday, April 9, 2026. She was born in Shelburne Falls, a daughter of the late Wayne H. and Phyllis M. (Clark) Truesdell. She graduated from Arms Academy and late Springfield Technical Community College. Diane worked at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in the Chemistry department over 37 years. She also worked at the Lathrop Community in Northampton for many years. She was predeceased by her parents and also her longtime partner, JoEllen Snyder Smith in 2016. She leaves many close and dear friends in the area. As per her request, all services will be private. Diane and JoEllen will be laid to rest at Village Hill Cemetery in Williamsburg at a private service. Donations in Diane's memory may be made to Highland Ambulance, P.O. Box 842, Goshen, MA. 01032-0842

View Diane Louise Truesdell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/13/2026

Hildie F. Osley

HATFIELD - Hildie F. Osley, 76, of Hatfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026, with her family by her side following a brief illness.

Born in Falls Church, Virginia, Hildie was the daughter of the late Dr. F. Raymond and Violet (Oliveira) Fosberg. She was educated in Virginia schools before moving to Massachusetts, where she built both her career and the life she loved. Hildie earned her associate’s degree from Holyoke Community College and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Hildie dedicated 35 years of service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Assistance, beginning her career as a clerk and rising to the role of Senior Review Examiner before her retirement. She took pride in her work and the people she helped along the way.

Hildie shared a deep and lasting love with her husband, Donald. Over their four decades together, they built a life centered on family and time spent with those they loved most. Some of their happiest moments were spent at their beach home, where summers were filled with laughter, friends dropping by, and family gathered close—creating memories and traditions that will be cherished for generations.

Hildie had a gentle, giving nature and a deep sense of care for others. She devoted herself to her family and also gave back to her community, volunteering for many years at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and during the holidays with hospice organizations, wrapping gifts to help raise funds for those in need.

She found joy in life’s everyday pleasures—playing cards as a member of the Hatfield American Legion Pitch League, gardening as part of the Community Garden Club, and tending to her fishponds at home. More than anything, she cherished time with her family. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she treasured every hug, every visit, and every moment spent together.

Hildie was predeceased by her parents and her siblings, Charlene Kyle and Ilima Sylva.

She leaves her husband, Donald Osley of Hatfield; her children, Melani (Michael) Skawski of Hatfield, Mollie (Larry) Scortichini of Port Jefferson Station, New York, and Donald Osley (Jennifer Wheelehon) of Coventry, Rhode Island; her cherished grandchildren, Vanessa and Madeline Skawski, Katelyn Phelps, Nina Skawski, Mason Scortichini, Matthew and Ryan Osley, Evan and Colin Dion; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Willow Woodward. She is also survived by her twin sister, Karol Bradford of Turners Falls, along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Ahearn FUNERAL HOME, 783 Bridge Road, Northampton. A service will follow at 3:00 p.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Hildie’s memory to a charitable organization of your choice.

View Hildie F. Osley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/09/2026

Peter B. "Pete" Banister

CHESTERFIELD - Peter B. "Pete" Banister, 78, of Damon Pond Rd. passed away on Friday evening at his home after a brief illness. Pete was well known as a local historian for the Hilltown's and beyond. Longtime DPW employee for the Town of Williamsburg and retired Fireman with 45 years of service to Williamsburg. CALLING HOURS TUESDAY APRIL 14, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Private interment in Village Hill Cemetery, Williamsburg.
A complete obituary will be forthcoming.

04/09/2026

View William J. "Bill" Knittle's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/06/2026

William J. "Bill" Knittle

SHELBURNE FALLS - William “Bill” Joseph Knittle, 65, of the Buckland side of Shelburne Falls, MA, lived many lives and had a hat for each. Teacher, father, brother, cowboy, husband, and more, his head was quite bald from all the hat wearing. As they say, “grass doesn’t grow on a busy street.” But where Bill lacked strong follicles, he had brains, brawn, talent, and heart.

Northampton High School, class of 1979, then earning his degree from Babson College, class of ‘83, Bill spent years in the newspaper business, first returning home to the Daily Hampshire Gazette and the Berkshire Eagle, Columbia County Independent and general manager of the Berkshire Record. Inspired to explore education by fond memories of his first-grade teacher, in 2004 he went back to school, earning a Masters degree from UMass.

After classrooms in Turners Falls, Chester, and Littleville, to his role as principal of Rowe Elementary School moving from the classroom to leadership roles, Bill found inspiration from Chip Wood's “Yardsticks” and his Responsive Classroom model which promoted kindness and peaceful effective learning. Plot twist: getting the call on August 4 after his very first year as principal, that the school had been struck by lightning, and burned down completely. A renewed devotion to the Rowe school and community followed - after two years, the building reemerged as the "Phoenix" restored with his vital leadership, a brand-new facility. Bill became deeply connected to the natural beauty and ethos of the wooded, lakeside town.

Music was the constant thread that ran through all his life from his early guitar lessons in downtown Northampton to performing with his band right up to the week before his death. From nearly 40 annual campfire jam sessions that gave rise to his first band The Bum Steers—where grit and gusto mattered more than polish—to later bands like Wild Bill and the Flying Sparks then, Wild Bill and Big Trouble. He was a consummate front man, generous to his bandmates and was never happier than onstage with friends. His resonant voice emphasized harmonies and allowed him and the audience to share emotional expression. Each year, like clockwork, he’d send out his now-legendary “December mix tapes”—first on cassette, then CD, and later digital—offering up a handpicked trail of songs for friends and family to follow. Those collections weren’t just music; they were invitations—to listen closer, to feel deeper, to ride along for a while and to have conversations about building community around the music.

He participated in local community organizations including Pothole Pictures, Buckland historical society, select board member, MSAA, library volunteer, Ashfield local food pantry volunteer, Ashfield Film Festival and was excited to become even more involved in the wonderful place where he contentedly lived, despite the challenges of winter in the hilltowns. Bill was gratefully alcohol free (and mostly gluten free) since 2017. Annual getaways often included Rockport, MA and Common Ground Country Fair, Unity, Maine. Bill’s dishes at the cooking group which he helped to found 35 years ago may not always have pushed culinary boundaries, but they were always served with love between friends—and usually followed by a joke or two that left the whole table smiling.

He was a reader, a thinker, and a man with a memory like a well-kept ledger. He could recall details from obscure vinyl records, name minor league teams from across the country, and talk books with anyone willing to sit for a spell, he was currently alternating fiction and non-fiction. He remembered names of authors, directors and historical details. He wore fun socks, kept a proud Wordle streak, was a long-standing Patriots fan with particular fondness in any sporting event for rooting for the underdog. and believed deeply in kindness— wearing it across his chest as a reminder to the rest of us “Be Kind” something he liked to remind people while a passenger on crowded planes. He particularly enjoyed two-stepping with his sweetie whenever possible, even around the living room, blue eyes sparkling “slow, slow, quick, quick”. He didn’t require subtitles but tolerated those who did.

When Bill was asked how he defeated cancer the first time at age 28, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, he said “never once did I consider I would die”. He said that cancer had transformed the way he lived and his life spirit shone through most days. . Friday, April 3, 2026, adenocarcinoma was the new enemy diagnosed one month before his passing, exploiting the surgical re-plumbing that helped save him the first time. During his last couple of days, many friends and family were by his side, supporting him and each other and listening to a playlist from his VFCR H***y Tonk radio program–songs, chosen because he wanted others to enjoy them the way he did. Thundering applause from Bruce Springsteen’s “Land of Hope and Dreams” live version was well timed with his final breath.

Bill will be profoundly missed and forever loved by his spouse Alice (not left handed and despite ourselves, sitting on a rainbow) ; children Chris (Jess) and grandson Zander in Oregon, and Ellie and Lucas in MA; siblings Elise (Quentin), Bob (Mary), and Paul (Tara); many nieces and nephews, cousins and legions of friends, loyal rescue dog Oscar, the schnoodle from Kentucky . He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Barbara and former walking companion goldendoodle Willa.

As the dust settles, the trail he carved remains clear. A path lined with shared songs, well-timed jokes, thoughtful messages, and the belief we are stronger together.

A celebration of Bill’s vibrant, extraordinary life, with room for performance, applause and shared memories will be held at a later date and venue to be announced.

Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to a worthy cause of your choice.

As Bill was often heard to say, quoting Warren Zevon “enjoy every sandwich”.

View William J. "Bill" Knittle's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.