Willard Y. Dalrymple, Jr.

Willard Y. Dalrymple, Jr., 96, passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021 in Saint Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Worcester.  He leaves his beloved wife of 67 years, Nancy (Fleisher) Dalrymple; his daughters, Bonnie L. Steele, wife of Kevin Steele, of Sutton and Susan B. DiPilato, wife of John DiPilato of Worcester; his grandsons, Brian J. Steele and wife Amanda, of Sutton and Gregory J. Steele and wife Ashley, of Newport, RI and Wellsley, MA.  He also leaves 2 great grandsons, Charlie Steele and Callahan Steele, his niece Bernadette and her husband Bert Greene, of Wrentham, and many nephews, nieces and friends.  He was predeceased by his parents, Willard and Ethel (Farnum) Dalrymple, and his sister Ruth Rousseau.

Willard (Bill) was born on December 1, 1924, at Fairlawn Hospital in Worcester and grew up in the Tatnuck section of the city.  He was a proud veteran of World War II, having joined the U.S. Army Air Force shortly after his eighteenth birthday.  He served as a radar operator in the South Pacific area for 3 1/2 years and following his discharge served in the R.I. National Guard.  Bill was employed as a Department Planner at Whitin Machine Works (later ATF Davidson)  for 38 years and was instrumental in establishing the clerical union where he served as Treasurer for many years.

He was a member of the Blackstone Valley United Methodist Church for over 50 years, sang in the chancel and folk choirs, served on the Board of Trustees, was a member of the Young at Hearts, and many of the church committees.  He was a member of the Northbridge Senior Center and the Friends of the Northbridge Elders where he participated in the cribbage, pool and dart leagues, and where he and Nancy were volunteers, delivering Meals on Wheels for many years.  Bill loved baseball and golf, and had great memories of playing baseball in his youth, and golf later in life at a league at Edgewood Golf Course.  He spent many hours watching golf tournaments on TV and Boston Celtics basketball games.

He was an avid fan of the many sports that his grandsons participated in, including baseball, basketball, soccer, track and cross country running at Northbridge High School, Sutton Fuller Hamlets Soccer, and WPI basketball games.

Family meant everything to Bill and his greatest enjoyment was when they all got together to share a good meal.  He enjoyed playing cards with his family and good friends, doing crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy and old times movies on TMC TV.  Bill was a loving and devoted husband, an exceptional dad, a proud grandfather and great grandfather, a loyal friend and a quiet man who didn't need words to convey his feelings, but loved people and to tell his stories to them. 

In later years he faced, and overcame, many medical challenges and bounced back, but more recently became frustrated by his inability to remain independent due to his declining health.

The family would like to thank Brookhaven Hospice, his nurse Amanda, hospice aide Kurt, and all the staff who participated in his care over the last 18 months, and to the staff at Saint Francis for their compassion during his final days.

Per his request, there will be no calling hours.  A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.  

Memorial donations may be sent in his memory to Brookhaven Hospice, 114 Turnpike Road, Ste. 206, Westboro, MA,  01581

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