Hudson – Francis “Bill” W. Pirtle, 76, passed away Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 at Marlborough Hills Healthcare after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Indianapolis, Ind., the son of Frank Jr. and Esther (Eakins) Pirtle.
He leaves his wife, Leona (Pouliot) Murphy Pirtle; his children, Susan Mahara and her husband Rudolph of Fort Wayne, Ind. and David Pirtle of Dorchester, Neb.; his grandchildren, Rudolph Mahara Ill., Carol Mahara, Katherine Randolph, Navy Petty Officer First Class Nathan Pirtle, and Navy Airman Joanna Pirtle; and his great-grandchildren, Cole Randolph, Rudolph Mahara, Ella Mahara, and Adelyn Mahara. He also leaves behind step-children Kathleen and her husband Michael Bilancieri of Marlborough and Edward Murphy and his wife Jennifer of Hudson, as well as step-grandchildren Julia and Jared Bilancieri, and Nathan, Matthew, and Katelynn Murphy.
Bill earned his PhD. from Purdue University, and was a mechanical engineer for CTI, Arthur D. Little, and Raytheon before retiring.
He was an avid model railroader and was an active member of the Metrowest Model Railroad Society, where he served as president for several years. Bill enjoyed camping with his wife in his later years and was a member of the Family Motorcoach Seacoasters Association. He also enjoyed classical music, playing the trumpet, and singing in the Men’s Ensemble and choir at Trinity Church in Bolton, where he was a longtime member.
A celebration of Bill’s life will take place Thursday, Feb. 2, at 4 p.m., at Trinity Church, 14 Wattaquadock Hill Rd., Bolton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made either to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or to Trinity Church (designated to the Compassion Fund).
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Tighe Hamilton Funeral Home, 50 Central St., Hudson.
