William J"Bill" Meehan

William J. "Bill" Meehan, 86, of Gardner, died peacefully Saturday, April 9, 2016 in his residence surrounded by his loving family, following a long illness.
He leaves his wife of 67 years, Claire H. (Arsenault) Meehan of Gardner; two sons, William R. and his wife Audrey of Ewa Beach, Hawaii and Jeffrey J. Meehan of Warwick, RI; two daughters, Pamela A. McMilleon and her husband David of Colorado Springs, CO and Jane E. Agnelli and her husband Steve of Manchester, CT; one sister, Edith Pratt of Baldwinville; seven grandchildren, David W. McMilleon, Michael J. McMilleon, William S. Meehan, Jennifer L. Meehan, Ryan J. Meehan, Nathan P. Meehan and Sean P. Meehan; seven great-grandchildren, Devon, Christian, Brooke, David, Samantha, Daniel and Charlotte; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, Earl and Richard Meehan, and by one sister, Patience Mattos.
Born in Orange, MA on August 29, 1929, he was the son of the late William H. and Olive (Page) Meehan.
Bill graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1947, and later attended Mount Wachusett Community College of Gardner.
He was the owner and operator of W J Meehan Company, a home remodeling and siding company, of Gardner for 40 years. He retired in 1995.
Bill was an active member of Sacred Heart Church of Gardner, where he taught CCD, was a member of the Church Council and coached the middle school basketball team. Being a strong advocate of Catholic Education, he founded and led the Parish Bingo for over 27 years raising 1.5 million dollars for the school. In grateful recognition of his devoted leadership and loyalty, the Sacred Heart School gym was dedicated and named the William J. Meehan Activity Center.
Bill enjoyed playing cards, Bingo and going to the casinos. He loved all sports, especially the New England teams. He played on City League and Regional softball teams for many years. He was a gold medal winner in the Senior Olympics participating in State, Regional and National sprinting and long jump events. Bill was an avid collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia, and enjoyed jig saw puzzles. He traveled extensively visiting Israel, Europe and the Caribbean, and spent winters in New Port Richey, Florida. Bill served on the City of Gardner City and Planning Board for many years, and served in the Army National Guard.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, April 13th from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Annunciation Parish/Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Gardner.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, April 12th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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