Shrewsbury – William Paul Gordon was born February 7, 1945 in Worcester, one of three children to the late Russell and Amelia (Borbone) Gordon. Raised in the city’s Grafton Hill neighborhood, he was a graduate of St. Stephen’s Grammar School, Classical High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Clark University.
Bill married Barbara A. Pinto on October 9, 1971, in Saint Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury and they made their home on Gage Lane for over fifty-one years. Bill’s yard was his oasis. He could often be found working meticulously in the yard and tending to his beautiful flower gardens. It was really worthy of awards and photos in a home and garden magazine, but Bill did it for relaxation and satisfaction. His home on Gage Lane was also the gathering place for all holidays and Sunday dinners, Italian style, of course, every single week.
His professional career included ten years at UMASS Memorial Healthcare where he worked as a data processing supervisor. Bill then worked for the Town of Shrewsbury in its Municipal Lighting and Electric department, SELCO for over thirty-five years as its senior accountant. He enjoyed retirement in 2009.
He was a familiar face alongside his daily walking buddies, Tom Josie, Mike and Vanessa Hale, Ernie Rivard, Ralph Iaccarino and Gloria Triola. Together they would religiously canvas the streets of 01545 discussing the problems of the world, locally and beyond, sharing stories about family and life, all the while keeping physically fit. Bill kept the pace and would greet so many people that beeped, waved, and hollered a hello along his routes that he was dubbed ‘Mr. Shrewsbury’ by many that knew him.
He was a member of Saint Mary’s Parish where he was a regular attendee to the vigil Mass each Saturday at 4:30 p.m. He also belonged to Pope Benedict Council #2379 Knights of Columbus in Grafton and was a proud and longtime town meeting member in Shrewsbury.
Bill died Tuesday, March 1, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was 77 years old.
In addition to his wife of fifty years, Barbara, he leaves his children, Kevin P. Gordon of Shrewsbury, Melissa A. Nazzaro and her husband Matthew of Peabody; he was the much-loved Papa to Joseph P. Gordon, Matthew P. Nazzaro and Christopher W. Nazzaro; his siblings, Kathleen Gordon of Worcester and Russell ‘Butch’ Gordon and his wife Darlene of Hutchinson Island, Florida; his brothers-in-law Patrick Pinto and his wife Cindy of Worcester, Richard Pinto and his wife Donna of Oxford; also survived by nieces & nephews.
Family and friends will honor Bill’s life by gathering for calling hours on Saturday, March 5th from 10:00 – 11:45 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury, followed by his funeral Mass celebrated at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.
While Covid restrictions are being lessened, Bill’s family politely requests all guests wear masks.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to ‘Share the Warmth’ in c/o SELCO, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. This is a fund that helps those in need with their electric bills and a fund that Bill proudly managed during his years of service at SELCO.
Arrangements by James & John Heald/Joyce Funeral Home of Waltham
