William Xavier Lydon Jr.

He is the son of the late Margaret T. (McCann) and William X. Lydon of Dorchester and Hull, MA. Bill is survived by his treasured wife Mary E. Putnam-Lydon, his beloved children Mary-Elizabeth P. Lydon and her husband Shawn Colby, William X. Lydon III and his wife Allison, Monica M. Poulsen and her husband Kyle, Rory L. Lydon and his wife Maggie, the late and dearly missed Leo F. Lydon, and his grandchildren who he loved with all of his heart, Kaylyn, Emma, Maura, Shawn, Bridget, Hannah, Mark, Liam, Jake, Nolan, Lincoln and Dylan.

Bill is also survived by his many siblings Kathleen T. (Lawrence G.) O'Toole, Marie A. (Randall P.) Gould, Kevin E. (Jacqueline T.) Lydon, Martin L. Lydon (Karen Egan), Bernadette M. (Paul F.) McDonough, Gerard T. Lydon (Michelle O’Leary), and the late Judge Leo J. Lydon, as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, especially his nieces Kelly Dolan, Tara Ann (Putnam) Pixler and Goddaughter, Paula Gould, who have joined the family on many travel adventures, extended stays at the family home and shared many wonderful memories together.

Throughout his 40 year career, Bill was a revered executive across the Eastern and Western rail services industry, most of which encompassed senior leadership positions with Amtrak and the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink). He was a formidable presence in his business life, all while pursuing absolute excellence in railway strategy and safety.

Bill shared his truest excellence, however, where it mattered most: at home. He defined what it meant to be a family man, with an unmatched loyalty, and an uncanny ability to level equal parts guidance, honesty, protection, love, jest, exacting wit and a deep sense of pride in all whom he loved, which were many. He was a devoted life-long friend to those who were lucky enough to call him neighbor, classmate or colleague.

Bill’s enthusiasm for sports extended beyond his own adeptness in cycling, running and soccer, to support youth athletic programs as a coach and a referee wherever he lived. He was a steady yet stoic supporter of his family’s notable athletic talents and an exuberant supporter of the Celtics, Patriots, Bruins and both US and Premier League soccer.

He will be missed by so many and remembered eternally.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 16 at 11am at the Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504 (951-688-1221). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Bill’s memory to the Hope For Depression Research Foundation.