William S. Coombes

   It is with great sadness that we announce the death of William S. Coombes, age 93, of Somerset. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 27, 2025. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was the loving husband of the late Susan M. (McDonald) Coombes whom he shared over 60 wonderful years with. Although he missed her greatly, her memory was kept alive with the stories he often shared of their life together.  

   Born in Fall River, William was the son of the late William Coombes and Mary (Alley) Deplitch. He was raised in the South End of Fall River before relocating to Somerset. 

   William graduated from Coyle & Cassidy High School and served his country in the United States Navy. After his military service, William worked as a Mechanical Engineer and Draftsman at Brown & Sharp Manufacturing in Providence and later at GT Sheldahl in East Providence. In 1974, he founded Somerset Plastics and successfully ran the business for over 40 years until his reluctant retirement at the age of 84. 

   William was an avid New England sports fan, particularly passionate about the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox. He cherished his summers spent at his cottage on Sawdy Pond in Westport. He also loved the ocean and enjoyed visits to Bakers Beach in Westport. In later years he spent many hours enjoying the sunshine and view from his front porch. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family and using his quick wit and humor to keep us laughing. He never failed to deliver a perfectly timed punchline laced with the appropriate amount of sarcasm. His legacy is one of laughter, love and a well-timed joke.  

   William is survived by his children: Rebecca Tamuleviz (Charles) of West Greenwich, RI, Jennifer Borden (Peter Jouklaris) of Somerset, William S. Coombes, III (Tempie Fonseca) of Somerset, Richard M. Coombes (Denise) of Somerset, Christopher A. Coombes (Karen) of Somerset, and Michael R. Coombes (Tina) of Old Saybrook, CT; his daughter-in-law, Christine Coombes of Swansea; and his 15 grandchildren: Ryan, Emily, Joshua, Nelia, Morgan, Mason, Grace, Brian, Faith, Colin, Lauren, Ryan, Rachel, Charlotte, and Caroline. He is also survived by 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sons, Robert P. Coombes and Jeffrey T. Coombes, and his brother, Robert P. Coombes. 

   The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Hope Health, Bristol Elders and especially, the girls from Caring Hearts, for the kind and compassionate care they provided. 

   His Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 9:00AM to 10:30AM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Rose E. Sullivan, 866 County Street, Somerset followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00AM in St. Thomas More Church, Somerset. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Somerset.