William J Dwyer

William J. Dwyer, 89, a World War II, U.S. Army Veteran (Battle of the Bulge and POW), a member of the 106th Infantry Division "Golden Lions" 422nd Infantry Regiment, passed away Thursday, July 12th 2012 with his children by his side. William's wife of 53 years, Alice M. (Sweeney) Dwyer, passed away in 2009. His son, William J. Dwyer, Jr, passed away last October. He is survived by his two devoted children, Elaine Dwyer of Natick and Michael P. Dwyer and his wife Michelle of Grafton; three adoring grandchildren, Michael, Juliet and Kevin; nieces, nephews and extended family. A brother, Edward Dwyer, and a sister Grace Guiggio also pre deceased him. William was born in Cambridge, a son of William J. Dwyer, Sr. and Mary (Harrington) Dwyer. He graduated from Cambridge High, joined the U.S. Army to serve his country during World War II. Shortly after deployment to the front lines in Belgium, William was thrust into the throws of one of the greatest offensives in history. During the ensuing battle he was captured and served as a POW for six months before being liberated. Bill and his family have lived in the Burncoat/Lincoln Street Neighborhood of Worcester since 1952. He was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 4 in Massachusetts, working as a multi license technician for the William F. Lynch Company before retiring. Bill was an accomplished championship table tennis player, ranked 14th in the United States in '57-'58; New England Singles Champion '57 and '58; New England Doubles Champion with partner Benny Masterman in '55, 56, and '58'; and was selected in 1960 by the National Table Tennis Association to compete internationally. Bill met his wife Alice during his early Table Tennis years, together they became New England Mixed doubles champions. Bill was an avid life-time Boston Red Sox fan relishing in the '04 and '07 World Series championships. Bill also loved to play Golf regularly and enjoyed the company of his friends and family. A funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, July 17th at 10:00 am in the Notre Dame du Lac Chapel, 555 Plantation St. Burial with military honors will follow in Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery, Winchendon. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Monday, July 16th from 5 pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. In lieu of flowers remembrances in his name can be made to the Alzheimer's association of Massachusetts/New Hampshire, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472. www.alzmass.org. The Dwyer family would like to thank the staff of Notre Dame Du Lac Assisted Living and Notre Dame Long Term Care for their loving and attentive care.