Shrewsbury – William L. Keville Sr., 86, died peacefully Saturday, July 13, 2013 at home following a long illness.
He leaves his wife of 61 years, Kathleen (Fitzgerald) Keville, and his two children, William L. Keville Jr. and his wife Nicolyn and Kathleen and her husband Justin O’Leary. He also leaves five grandchildren, Caitlin, Brian and Timothy Keville, and Patrick and Kate O’Leary. He leaves a half-brother, Francis Keville of Framingham, and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was born in Worcester, son of the late George and Madeline (Seibel) Keville. He was predeceased by three brothers, Rev. Richard E. Keville, George Jr., and Robert M. Keville. He served proudly in the Marine Corps during World War II. He graduated in 1950 from the College of the Holy Cross as a two-sport standout athlete in football and baseball.
Upon graduation, he turned down an offer to play professional football in the American Football League to teach and coach at St. Peter's High School, his alma mater. He was a teacher, coach, and administrator for 37 years in the Shrewsbury Public Schools and a football and baseball official for over 25 years.
The Holy Cross Varsity Club honored him in 1955 for his outstanding achievement in high school coaching. In 1989, he was inducted into the St. Peter's Hall of Fame. Later, in 2012 he was awarded the Guardian Shield Award for his educational and athletic contributions.
Bill was an avid tennis player for many years. Gardening was also his passion. In later years, he especially enjoyed the help his grandson Brian gave him in planting and caring for his garden. Another hobby was building many wonderful model airplanes and boats, which will always be cherished by his loving family.
Until his illness, he was a daily communicant. His deep faith and abiding love of God, his church, and his family were hallmarks of Bill's life.
Family and friends will honor and remember Bill's life by gathering for calling hours Wednesday, July 17, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning, July 18, before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in St. John's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic TV, PO Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471 or St. Mary's Elementary School Advancement Fund, 16 Summer St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
