William F Barrell

William F. Barrell, 92, of Worcester, a retired Worcester Firefighter and Inspector, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2013, in the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence in Worcester. His loving wife of forty years, Mary T. (Gibbons) Barrell, predeceased him in 1982. William is survived by his loving family, a daughter, Kathryn E. O'Rourke of Grafton; two sons, Christopher T. Barrell and his wife Deborah of Millbury and William F. Barrell, Jr. of Hollywood, FL; seven grandchildren, Megan and Deven Barrell, Patrick, Brendan, Sean, Bryan and Liam O'Rourke; seven great grandchildren, Tayah, Aidan, Collin, Ryan, Abigail, Ava and William O'Rourke; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Maryann Barrell and his son in law, James O'Rourke. William was born in Worcester, son of the late William A. and Alice E. (Flynn) Barrell and lived most of his life here. He graduated from Commerce High School and attended both Clark University and Becker College. He served his nation proudly in the United States Navy, during World War II. William began his career with the City of Worcester, as a firefighter, later becoming a Fire Inspector. He retired in 1984, after serving our city for over thirty years; and was recognized for his lengthy service, by being awarded a "Key to The City", from Mayor Joseph Tinsley. He was a member of Saint Stephen's Church, the International Association of Firefighters and the American Legion Main South Post. He loved Holy Cross Football and enjoyed golfing and reading. He will be lovingly remembered as a hard working family man. Calling hours will be held today (Sunday) October 6, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. His Funeral will be held on Monday, October 7, from the funeral home, departing in procession at 9:30, for a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Saint Stephen's Church, 357 Graton Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Saint John's Cemetery, Worcester.