William Frederick"Bill" Criggar

William "Bill" Frederick Criggar, 82, of Gardner, died peacefully Monday, November 6, 2017 at Athol Memorial Hospital of Athol.
Bill was born in Smyth County, VA on January 2, 1935, the son of the late Philip and Pearl L. (Meredith) Criggar.
Bill was a Correctional Officer employed by the Massachusetts Department of Corrections, North Central Correctional Institution (NCCI) of Gardner, retiring in 2000 after 43 years of State service. He was previously employed by Gardner State Hospital of Gardner and was instrumental in the transition from the Gardner State Hospital to the NCCI Prison. During his employment at NCCI, he also worked with his wife at her former floral shop Hearts N' Kalico, delivering flowers. After his retirement, he was a Security Guard at Heywood Hospital of Gardner for a few years.
Bill was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean War and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal, in Germany. He also served in the United States Air Force Reserves. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7389 Douglas Hicks of Westminster, and was recently appointed Commander of the American Legion for the Quabbin Valley Healthcare during his recent stay.
Bill's hobbies included fishing, woodworking, photography, and bird and squirrel watching. He was a fan of wrestling, along with playing his handheld poker games. He adored watching television, especially with his headphones. He also would spend time at the Gardner airport watching the airplanes. Each morning he would join his buddies at Burger King for coffee and "conversation". He always looked forward to the Gardner News each Saturday for Mike Richards column. All who knew Bill or "Crigga Dawg" knew he always had a story to tell. He was very well known in town and loved by everyone. Bill treasured his time with his family. He will be missed by all.
Bill leaves his wife of 49 years, Greta S. (LeBlanc) Criggar of Gardner; three daughters, Rachel L. Criggar of Gardner, Joanne G. Boudreau of Gardner and Jocelyn D. Mearn and her husband Paul of Gardner; three sons, Michael R. Boudreau Sr., of Winchendon, William Criggar Jr. and Brian Criggar of Worcester; one sister, Alma Sue Hickey of Florida; five grandchildren, Crystal Richard, Michael Boudreau, Jr, Tyler Boudreau , Paul "PJ" Mearn Jr. and Kaitlyn Mearn; six great-grandchildren, Caleb Richard, Grace Richard, Peter Richard and Anna Richard; Elijah Boudreau and Emily Kiberd-Pervier, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers Pete, Ellis, Earl and Neal.
Funeral Services and burial will be held Wednesday, November 15th at 2:00 p.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.
There are no calling hours.
Memorial contributions may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. Please reference in memory of William F. Criggar.

Order Flowers