Bertram R. Wills Jr. born in Haverhill MA on March 29, 1923 to Bertram R. Wills Sr. and Ruthe (Little) Wills, Bert passed away on May 4, 2015 at the age of 92. Bert is reunited with his wife of 61 years, Theresa (Tess) M. Wills, who predeceased him in death, along with his sons Donald F. Wills and Gary A. Wills. He is survived by his children Dennis M. Wills (Jane Kennedy); Douglas C. Wills (Terry Wills) and Eileen R. Wills (Keith McIntyre). He also leaves 13 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Bert graduated from Lawrence High School (class of 1941) where he lettered in track and baseball. Bert enlisted in the Navy during World War II (1942-1946), stationed on the liberty ship U.S S. Sabik, transporting troops and supplies throughout the South Pacific and Philippines. He was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Bert graduated from Northeastern University (class of 1957) with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration, and embarked on his career in engineering for 10 years at Bolton-Emerson in Lawrence, MA and for 31 years at Raytheon in Andover, MA, retiring in 1987. Bert was an organizer and active member of the Raytheon bowling and golf leagues and softball team.
In retirement, Bert and Tess enjoyed spending winters in their second home in Longboat Key, FL, playing golf and shuffleboard, organizing social events and parties and meeting new and lifetime friends. Bert pursued his lifetime hobby of playing golf in numerous leagues as well as working for 10 years each at Hickory Hills GC and Campbell’s Scottish Highlands GC. Bert was an active member of the Methuen Elks, REAA (Raytheon retirees), Knights of Columbus, and the Salem and Methuen Senior Centers, where he enjoyed shuffleboard tournaments, the senior choir, cards, and shooting pool.
Bert was a kind, thoughtful, and deeply religious man who enjoyed life and was devoted to his extended family and friends. He will be deeply missed by those whose life was touched by his warmth and friendship.
Friends and guests are invited to call on Monday, May 11, 2015 at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St. Methuen at 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM. A mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, May 11 2015 at 11:00 AM at St. Lucy’s Parish of Methuen. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery of Methuen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bert’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675. For directions and online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website, www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wills Family.