William "Bill" Edward Jatkevicius Jr

Bill loved life. He loved fast cars, none more than his prized Corvette. He loved watching and attending NASCAR races. He loved all things sports, especially his beloved Red Sox. He loved having a cold beer with friends and family, watching a Sox or Patriots game in his recreation of Fenway Park garage which he named “Bull’s” after the nickname his father bestowed on him as a child. He was never without his music, was a huge fan of The Boss but collected an eclectic range of playlists of all genres. Boating on the Connecticut River with all the “A” Dock friends, where Rainbow Beach was the favorite hangout and Grilling on The River Throwdowns were weekly occurrences. Also, the beaches of Cape Cod, always looking for the best private beaches to just sit and enjoy the view.

But more important than all these things, Bill loved his wife, their kids, the spouses, and children and was so proud of all of them. He loved being “Papa and JPop” to his seven grandchildren and had so much fun with them, especially in the summers and holidays at their home in Hyannis.

Bill and his beloved wife Patti, whose number he saved in his phone under the name “my beautiful wife” and he affectionately called "Babe", spent 33 years together bringing their two families into one. Bill was so proud of the life they built and the love they shared. Bill and Patti found each other later in life but made the most of every minute they shared.

Bill was born in Hartford, CT to William E. Jatkevicius, Sr. and Lillian (Miller) Jatkevicius. He grew up in Enfield with his siblings Jan Mancini, Karen McCollough (Ed) and Jim Jatkevicius (Anne Marie Skinner), among a very close extended family of cousins, aunts and uncles. He graduated from Enfield High and Central Connecticut State University.

He began and built his career at Riverside Park. He then spent several years with Friendly’s Ice Cream Corporation and was recruited away by Lane Valente Industries (LVI) where he became the Vice President of Operations. Making lifelong friends at every stop but finding a true family among his colleagues at LVI.

Bill and Patti married in 1994 and created a beautiful, loving life together, first in Somers, CT raising their families and expanding their careers. Later in life, it was more about helping the kids to launch their own adult lives and creating a life together centered on their homes in Hyannis, MA and Bradenton, FL.

In 2024, the page turned when he was diagnosed with ALS. Navigating this cruel disease with grace and dignity, Bill never complained and never gave up. Throughout his life and career, his strength as a mentor and leader was a differentiating character trait, and his approach to managing this difficult chapter was no different. Bill continued to care for all those who were now caring for him. He remained always one to approach every situation with kindness, compassion and generosity of time, energy and resources. His love for everyone in his world was second to none.

Bill was preceded by his father William Sr., his mother Lillian, and his Aunt Bert who was like a second mother as he grew up. He leaves his beloved wife Patti, and their blended family of Leland Jatkevicius (Emily), Kelsey Carter (Michael), Andrew Train (Marisa), Ryan Train (Alyssa), and the true loves of his life, the grandkids; Nora Mae and Oliver Jatkevicius, Aubrey Lynne and Brody Carter, and Emma Rose, Jack and Henry Train, in-laws Andrea and Manny Tome and the Frigon Girls, plus many extended family members and friends that were always “part of the family”

Bill and Patti wish to thank the medical teams at the Healey Center for ALS and the VNA of Cape Cod Hospice that supported them both over these past years, especially his caregivers Jewels and Anne Marie whose kind, thoughtful care carried him through the most difficult time in his life. They would also like to thank George Lane and all Bill’s colleagues at Lane Valente for their unwavering support and compassion. This group of very special people meant more to Bill than words can convey. And special thanks to all the friends who lined up to lend a hand in so many different ways. The unconditional support was a true comfort to Bill and the family.

In lieu of flowers, Bill specifically requested that any contributions in his memory be made to; Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS.org), P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574; The Healey Center for ALS, at Mass General, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114; or St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (stjudes.org).

Please join the family for calling hours and a remembrance ceremony on Saturday, March 28th, from 9:00 -12:00, at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 160 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Alberto’s Restaurant, 360 Main St Upper, Hyannis, MA 02601 immediately following from 12:00 – 2:00pm.