William F. Hurst

William F. Hurst, 61, of Hanson died June 29 after a long illness. The son of the late Mary Cutler Hurst and the late Frank Hurst, Bill was born in Cambridge, grew up in Waltham, and graduated from UMASS Boston with a degree in Classics. He also was a student in the International Education Program at Lesley University. Since 1988, Bill resided in Hanson, where he was an active member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church and was involved in spiritual enrichment programs at his own parish, as well as at St. Mary of the Sacred Heart in Hanover. A beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Bill is survived by his wife, Rebecca Shipman Hurst; his two daughters, Amy Veronica Rose Hurst of Hanson and Dr. Melinda G. Nelson-Hurst, and her husband Rene Guitart of Philadelphia PA, his sister Suzanne Raines, and her husband Scott of Waltham, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Thomas Hurst of Chicopee. Retired after over twenty-five years of service with the MWRA, Bill worked for T.J. Maxx in Pembroke and Plymouth. An avid reader and collector of political periodicals, Bill was a political activist who promoted civil liberties for four decades through his work with a variety of coalitions and organizations. He also ran for state-wide office as a libertarian. Bill loved music, favoring bluegrass, R & B, and classic rock. In his youth, he played bass in a local Waltham band. He had a dry wit like his father and delighted in puns and plays on words. Bill is remembered by family and friends as a man who had a rare capacity to connect with others. He was a remarkably patient listener, had a genuine interest in other persons, and provided insights and advice with a gentle demeanor. He appreciated the uniqueness of others, was tolerant of a wide variety of viewpoints, and worked to balance complete honesty with kindness. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, July 5, at 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., in Sullivan Funeral Home, 2 Maquan Street, at the corner of Rte 14 & 58 in Hanson. Relatives and friends are also welcomed to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on July 6th, at 12:30 P.M., in Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 1 Maquan Street, Hanson, followed by internment at Fern Hill Cemetery and a reception back at Saint Joseph's Father Sullivan Hall. Donations in Bill's name may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Hanson, for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.