William T. “Bill” Voelker, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.) of Brockton passed away unexpectedly on July 12th at the age of 79.
He was the loving husband of Joan (Broderick) for 56 years. Bill leaves behind his children Daniel and now deceased wife Felicia, Kristine and husband Daniel Schlehr, Lauren and husband Robert Tammaro, Eric and wife Ginger and his sister Rosanne (Voelker) Flynn of VA. He was the proud grandfather of Evan and Kurt Schlehr, Kariana and Erik Pelkey, Karly Tammaro, and Logan Voelker.
He is preceded in death by his parents William F. and Rose (Regan) Voelker, brother-in-law Capt. Jack Flynn and daughter-in-law Felicia (Madden) Voelker.
Bill entered the U.S. Air Force in 1957. He started as an enlisted/aircraft/engine specialist. He traveled extensively to various countries in Europe and the Far East. He served two tours in Vietnam and is the recipient of the Bronze Star. Bill became the Superintendent of the 49th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in Rome, N.Y. and later became the Senior Enlisted advisor for the 24th Air Division. He had a very successful career in the USAF and retired after 33 years at the highest enlisted rank, Chief Master Sergeant. After his military retirement, Bill went to work part time for the US Postal Service until the age of 70. He continued to show his patriotism as a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) , Air Force Sergeants Association and Non-Commissioned Officers Association.`
Bill was loved by everyone and never failed to make people laugh. He was a skilled craftsman who could fix anything mechanical and he especially loved the challenge. As an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan Bill never missed the opportunity to watch a game. He liked going to the gym and bowling with his teammates, but he mostly loved cooking and spending time with his family. The grill at family cookouts was always manned by Bill, who turned out orders like a seasoned short order cook. Everything he made was exceptional, but his tacos and hot sauce are legendary. The only thing he loved more than cooking was eating, especially “sugarfree” snacks and breakfast at local diners. It is hard to forget someone who has given you so much to remember.
Arrangements made by the Blanchard Funeral Chapel on Plymouth St. (Rte. 58 at rotary circle) Whitman. Visitation will be held on Thursday July 20th from 4:00-7:00PM. Funeral services will be held on Friday July 21st at 8:15AM from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel followed by a funeral mass at 9:00AM in the Christ the King Church, Lyman St. Brockton. Interment with full military honors to follow at MA National Cemetery in Bourne at 12:45pm.
Because the cemetery does not allow them, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301(website DAV.org) or My Brother’s Keeper, P.O. Box 338, Easton, MA 02356-0338