William Joseph Converse

William Joseph Converse, 71, of Homosassa, FL, passed away peacefully on Wed., Aug. 13, 2025 at his home, surrounded by the love and support of his family. A native of Pawtucket, R.I., he was born Aug. 21, 1953 to Gerard Sr. and Ann Mary (née Carr) Converse, one of six children. Bill, as he was known to many, enjoyed a long 39 year career with General Dynamics Electric Boat of Quonset Point, R.I., where he began as a pipefitter, and with whom he retired as a Material Planner Specialist, specializing in submarine building. Bill’s career included a period of working overseas, where he was stationed with BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, England; a port town where the first British submarine was built in 1886. Mr. Converse ended his career in Groton, CT and moved to Homosassa ten years ago from Burrillville, R.I. Roman Catholic by faith, Bill was a parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Homosassa. Bill’s passions in his life included global travel. He embraced the world – cruising, exploring new places, and joining guided tours both internationally and domestically, creating unforgettable memories with family and friends old and new. His other favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, hiking and birding. Bill was a true outdoorsman, who especially loved Montana. He also loved visiting museums and learning about history. Bill found joy in sharing meals – delighting in both preparing food for others and savoring good meals together. In his youth in New England, he was a first baseman for the Nine Aces baseball team and was an Alumni of the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club. Later in life, Bill volunteered for Junior Achievement and was Vice President of The Woodlawn Hunting Association. He continued to dedicate his free time after moving to Florida by feeding the homeless at Lovemore Ministries. Bill’s generosity and acts of kindness shined through in his day-to-day life. He was constantly looking for ways to give back, and his kindness didn’t stop with family and friends. It extended even to those he didn’t know personally. Known as “The Professor” by many close to him, Bill had a natural curiosity and a lifelong passion for researching and acquiring new knowledge and skills. He was a captivating storyteller with great wit and sense of humor. Also, if he discovered something broken, he would find a way to fix it rather than buy a new one. Mr. Converse also had deep compassion and empathy for others. He was great at anticipating the needs of others and putting them before his own. He was an immense source of strength for so many. He also loved and spoiled the many pets he had over the years. His most recent pets were Bunny (the cat) and Lexi (the dog), who have both passed. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by late wife Rosanne (née Montalbano) Converse; his sister, Ann Turcotte; cousins James and Robert Carr, and an uncle (his namesake whom he considered a father figure), William J. Carr, known simply as “Uncle”. Mr. Converse is survived by his wife of ten years, Robin Lisa Converse, Homosassa, FL; daughter Jennifer (née Converse) Padula (husband Eric), Cranston, RI; stepdaughter Kaitlyn Doherty (husband Nicholas), Dudley, MA; and stepson Patrick O’Connor (fiancé Kaitlyn Holt), Dudley, MA; grandson Kellen Doherty, Dudley, MA; siblings Gerard Converse Jr. (partner Doreen Torpey), Dunnellon, FL; Joan Theroux, Cumberland, R.I.; Kathleen Woodcock (husband David), East Providence, R.I.; twin brother John Converse (wife Sharon Converse), Cumberland, RI; as well as Ellen Donnelly, Coventry, R.I., whom Bill considered his sister. In addition, he was survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. A Catholic Prayer Service and Celebration of Life will be held at Macrini-Wilder Funeral Home, 4890 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446 on Fri., Aug. 29, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. with Deacon Mark Manko officiating. Placement of Bill’s ashes will follow at 2:00 P.M. at Fountains Memorial Park in Homosassa. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to HPH Hospice – A Chapters Health Affiliate.

https://www.chaptershealth.org/foundation/hph-hospice-donation/