William Alexander

William "Bill" Henry Alexander, age 82 of Hanson, passed away on November 28, 2024, Thanksgiving evening. Born on July 13, 1942 in Boston, MA to Joseph and Natalie (Zaine) Alexander, Bill was raised in Charlestown and Dorchester. He enlisted in the U.S. Army directly out of high school and served in the 41st Artillery in Bamberg Germany, returning to Bamberg 40 years later in retirement to visit. 

He went on to become a Master Machinist, earning a teaching certificate to share his skills. He worked at Boston Envelope Company for 25 years, forming close friendships that lasted decades. He later founded his own machine shop, Andrill, in Canton, MA where his expertise, innovation, and craftsmanship shone. Whether repairing a machine, designing custom parts, or solving an impossible problem, Bill’s talents and ingenuity knew no bounds. 

Bill met his wife Mary on Christmas Eve 1963, (Late December Back in '63, as he liked to sing) when he stopped into a coffee shop in Dorchester. Mary was ending her shift as a server and Bill asked if he could walk her home, beginning their perpetual love story. They married at St. Anne’s church in Dorchester in May 1967 and in 1970 settled in Hanson’s Brentwood neighborhood, where they raised their three children. 

Bill loved his small town and was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, kindness, and compassion. He left an impression on everyone he met, whether cracking a joke, sharing a story, or lending a hand without hesitation. He served on the Hanson Board of Appeals and was devoted to his neighbors, many of whom became like family. An avid craftsman, Bill’s passions ranged from building and machining to gardening, traveling, and enjoying Nantasket Beach. He loved a good game of poker, a pizza with a Jack & Coke and math puzzles, but nothing gave him more joy than spending time with his family, especially his 11 grandchildren, Olivia (Jonathan), Hunter, Trevor and Hayden Campbell; Adele, Will and Wayne Alexander; and Casey, Skylar, Tessa and Logan Sullivan, who were the lights of his life and his greatest source of pride. 

Bill will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for the countless lessons and love he shared. Above all, he will be celebrated for his unshakable strength and integrity, which was especially evident during his courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia. Although these diseases took much from him, they never completely claimed his spirit or grit. He fought valiantly until the end and left this world a true champion. His legacy of love, strength, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew him. 

Bill is survived by his beloved wife Mary Alexander (Navis) with whom he shared 57 joyous years of marriage; his children Andrea (Earl) Campbell of Pembroke, Bill (Emily) Alexander of Merrimack, NH, and Jennifer Alexander-Sullivan of Midlothian, VA; 11 grandchildren; brothers Joseph (Roeana) of HI and Michael of MA; sisters Ellen Cannon of AL, Jean Belton (Commander David Belton, USN Retired) of VA, Dianne Butler of GA, many nieces, nephews and close friends. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother Lee. 

The family would like to thank the compassionate caregivers and many others who supported Bill during his illness, particularly Brett Miller of 110 Fitness-a physical therapy based boxing fitness program serving the Parkinson’s community, care provider Kathy McDermott-Locke who was also a longtime neighbor, and the remarkable team at Hebrew SeniorLife who cared for him the last 4 years of his life. We are eternally grateful.

Visitation at the Sullivan Funeral Home, 2 Maquan Street, Hanson, at the corner of Route 14 & 58 on Saturday, December 14 from 12-2pm. A funeral home service will follow immediately after visitation, at 2pm. Interment will be at a later date at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to 110 Fitness. Donations can be made online at 110fitness.org or by check payable to 110 Fitness and mailed to 200 Weymouth St, Rockland, MA 02370.