Call (401) 725-4253
Monday Jun 18, 2012
Uncle Bill we loved you so much. We will miss you so much. You were always there for all of us. You devoted your life to public service and to your family. I will thank God always for you. You were our strength in many storms and a beacon of light of true kindness and faith. Love you always.
Donna Piche - (Cumberland RI)
Tuesday Jun 19, 2012
To all who knew you...you will be truly miss ed. I have never known such a gentle man. We will treasure our memories and keep you close to our hearts forever.
Love,
Dave,Kathy,Kim,Colleen,Zack,Nate,Shannon,Molly
Kathy Woodcock - (Pawtucket, RI)
Tuesday Jun 19, 2012
I met Bill when we worked together in the Governor Garrahy administration. He was so knowledgeable of state government and his sense of duty was second to none. He was an honest and decent man.
Every St Patrick's day, I would receive a greeting card from Bill- he never forgot! It was so good to see him at one of Governor Garrahy's last "reunions". We will miss him.
Michael Ryan - (Providence, Rhode Island)
Tuesday Jun 19, 2012
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to do,
He knew his masterpiece was complete,
And so, He sent us ...YOU.
Forever in my heart,
Kim
Kim Heon - (Lincoln, RI)
Tuesday Jun 19, 2012
I just now walked into my kitchen and saw my dad reading the paper, and for absolutley NO reason at all I ask if he reads the obituaries. hes says yes. I told him, that if he ever sees a man with the last name woodcock to let me know, because I remember meeting the nicest old man in walgreens. we would chat about movies and his older days. But the gentle caring vibe he gave off was a real pleasure to be around. He trusted me, a stranger whom he barely knows, to borrow a movie we talked about, hot tub time machine. I return it to him telling him how much i liked it. the next time i saw him after that, he gave me a copy of the movie, that he had just bought for me personally. then apologizes for the torn condition of the case . . . I was so completly stunned by this old mans total kindness and generosity.He was inspiring. As im walking out of the kitchen my dad says, WOAH, Matt come here. there it is. here i am. You were an essenial part of this world and your kindness lives on my friend.
Matt Murphy -
Tuesday Jun 19, 2012
Over the decades that Bill has been my friend, I realized he was also a friend to all those with whom he came into contact...and also those who missed ever meeting him.
His daily random acts of kindness are legion. His concern for others was real.
His example is one to follow for the ages.
His faith in the Almighty was infinite.
Even in retirement his public service remained active as he would share his ideas on how to improve government at all levels. His efforts and well thought out ideas never waned.
He encouraged everyone to achieve at higher levels. He appreciated history more than most and was proud of his forbears' contributions.
An understanding ear was always available.
His ability to make people smile was a genuine gift.
For all these blessings and so many more, we will always remember my friend Bill.
John Heald - (New Jersey)
Tuesday Jun 19, 2012
It's difficult to imagine a greater cheerleader than Bill. I first met him in a Chinese restaurant in the 1990s. I was a teenager who had joined my father on a business trip through New England. Bill didn't object to my dad bringing along his kid for their meal. As the two friends spoke, I was prepared to remain quiet and respectful, although Bill made it his mission to involve me in their discussion as much as possible. Talking with my dad throughout the coming years, he would let it be known that this man whom I had met but once continued to inquire about the goings on in my life. After college, when life found me moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in screenwriting, Bill began stepping up his inquiries to include sending me the occasional newspaper clipping from the entertainment section that might be of interest or help to me in my pursuits. Sometimes the articles were helpful, sometimes they weren't -- but it was nice to know that this man whom I had met ONE TIME years and years earlier cared to follow my career development and wanted to do anything in his power to help. When I had finally accomplished my initial goal of selling a screenplay, I was so happy to share the news with Bill. By this point, we had started talking on the phone occasionally. I would tell Bill about how things were going in Los Angeles and he would share with me memories and stories of his life and career, especially the early days. Never a holiday or birthday would go by without a card in the mail from Bill. Sometimes the only Jewish New Year card I would get would be from Bill - and he wasn't even Jewish! That's how much he cared. When I got married, my wife marveled in the amount of mail coming into our house that bore an East Providence return address. I told her all about Bill and they came to enjoy hearing about the other person, as well. You can only imagine Bill's elation when he saw not one - but two - of my screenplays actually get produced. H
Josh Heald - (Los Angeles, CA)
Tuesday Jun 19, 2012
I met Bill as a new employee in the State Department of M HRH, 35 years ago,he was quite but extremely friendly and always willing to offer advise or direction. He was a mentor an a true friend for nearly 40 years, he wil be missed by many, who had the pleasure and honor of knowing him. A true friend.
Joseph Marocco - (Cranston, RI)
Tuesday Jun 19, 2012
Death leaves a hurt no one can heal, but love leaves memories no one can steal. I am blessed to have so many wonderful memories of my Uncle Bill. Our family's loss goes beyond words. He will forever be in my heart.
Colleen M. Donnelly - (North Providence, RI)
Wednesday Jun 20, 2012
Bill was my husband Anthony's right hand man when he was director of corrections in '59/'60. When the intake center was named for my husband in 2010, Bill managed to make the ceremony and brought along his and our old friend Margaret Walsh. It was a typically wonderful and caring gesture and I appreciated it very much.
We have had many phone conversations over the years that proved to be interesting and inspiring. He will be missed.
Diana Travisono - (Jamestown, RI)
Wednesday Jun 20, 2012
A gentleman's gentleman who will be truely missed by all who knew him.
Rest in Peace.
Norma M. Mastroianni - (Warwick, RI)
Wednesday Jun 20, 2012
A gentleman's gentleman who will be truely missed by all who knew him.
Rest in Peace.
Norma M. Mastroianni - (Warwick, RI)
Wednesday Jun 20, 2012
A gentleman's gentleman who will be truely missed by all who knew him.
Rest in Peace.
Norma M. Mastroianni - (Warwick, RI)
Thursday Jun 21, 2012
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies. My heart goes out to the family. Death is something we will never get use to. In fact, God's Word refers to death as an enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:26) Very soon our loving Heavenly Father, Jehovah God, will remove death once and for all and give us the opportunity to see our loved ones again here on the earth.
T. Kelly - (Columbia, MD)
Keefe Funeral Home
5 Higginson Avenue
Lincoln, Rhode Island 02865
Telephone 401-725-4253
Thomas H. Keefe, Registered Funeral Director
Copyright 2000 Keefe Funeral Home
