Westborough – Deputy Waltham Police Chief (Ret.) William M. Stanton, of Westborough, died Tuesday, November 1, 2022 surrounded by family at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He was 69.
Born in Boston on October 30, 1953, he was a son of the late Anthony and Edna (Hartlen) Stanton. “Billy” was raised in Waltham and graduated from Waltham High School. He earned a full scholarship to Northeastern University to play basketball for the Huskies and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice before earning his Master’s degree from Anna Maria College. Billy began a distinguished career for the Waltham Police department in 1980 where he served as Union president for several years eventually retiring at the rank of Deputy Chief in 2017.
Billy loved imparting his passion for basketball on his children, his nieces and nephews, and any other young person that showed an interest in the sport. He coached both middle school and freshman girls’ basketball, racking up one of the more impressive records in history. Bill was also active in helping those in need, especially helping those striving to achieve sobriety, recently achieving 15 years sober himself.
Of all his interests and hobbies, nothing made Billy happier than his family. He made it a priority to always be involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives, whether it was through camping trips on the “father’s weekend,” summer excursions to the island, or basketball camps all across the country, there was no adventure he would shy away from if it was for his kids. Billy coached, taught, and mentored not only the kids within his family, but any other friend or student looking for advice.
Recently his greatest joy was his grandchildren. From telling them stories, watching them play sports, to sharing a favorite dessert; they were the light of his life.
He is survived by his children, Andrea Cotter and her husband, Tom, of Hopkinton, Stephen Stanton and his wife, Jessica, of Westborough, and Daniel Stanton and his wife, Kate, of Natick. Grampy of Eme, Thomas, Lilah, Patrick, William, and James; brother of Kit, Brian, Matt, and Tim and Uncle Bill to many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor and remember Bill’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, November 3rd from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 10 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Fund by visiting www.nleomf.org or by mail, checks may be made payable to Gardner Group Inc., d/b/a On-Site Academy, PO Box 448, Westminster, MA 01473.
