William “Billy” Sneed, passed away Thursday morning, September 3rd 2026, after a long battle with health complications. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, as the third of nine children. Billy and his older brother, John “Tommy” Sneed, would ultimately come to be raised by his older sister, Brenda DeCoteau and her husband, Robert DeCoteau, in Worcester, MA.
After a chance meeting with an Army Recruiter while in college, he joined the Army rather than be drafted, where he was chosen to be a pilot (a man who was afraid of heights!). He became a decorated helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War and after his tour, he returned home and met his wife, Anne-Marie Sneed (Dupont) and fostered a loving marriage for 54 years. Billy leaves his son, Christopher Sneed and his wife, Sara Sneed, his daughter Shannon Tambolleo (Sneed) and her husband, Paul Tambolleo, and his daughter Samantha Ruth (Sneed) and her husband, Daniel Ruth.
When Billy returned home from Vietnam, he determined his next endeavor would be a Masters in Special Education. After teaching in the Sutton School system for a few years, he ultimately returned to flying and worked as a private pilot for many years. Eventually, Billy ended up working many years for MedFlight, along the way touching everyone with his unique brand of care and compassion. This included even telling one frantic mother she could fly with her young son to the hospital as long as she would buy him a coffee once they got there. She immediately realized it was going to be okay and threw her arms around him.
The most infamous nickname Billy had was “Gippy” given to him by his first granddaughter. The love of Gippy’s life, apart from Anne, was his family, especially his 11 grandchildren; Maura Sneed, Noah Tambolleo, Kenneth “Tre” Cohrs, Zachary Ruth, Isabella Cohrs, Jonah Tambolleo, Justin Sneed, Lucas Tambolleo, Felicia Ruth, Sophia Cohrs and Grady Sneed.
Every person lucky enough to cross paths with Gippy felt welcome and cared for in his presence and also undoubtedly has a story that ends in some kind of smile or outright laughter. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
We love you, Gippy.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM followed by a brief service at 12:00 PM at the Doane, Beal, & Ames Funeral Home, 260 Main St. (Rt. 28), West Harwich.
In lieu of flowers, those who knew and loved Billy are invited to honor his memory by making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, carrying forward his legacy of compassion and care through a gift that helps others.
Donations may be made in Billy’s memory at the Wounded Warrior Project: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=10043
