William (Billy) J. Carlisle, 73, formerly of 29 Rollins St. Derry, NH died Monday April 20, 2020 in Manchester, NH. He was born in Derry on October 12, 1946, the oldest son of the late Robert J. Carlisle, Sr., and Pauline “Nappie” (O’Neil) Carlisle. Billy lived his whole life in Derry, attending St. Thomas Aquinas School for 8 years and then graduating Pinkerton Academy, Class of 1966. Billy was a particularly good student, always keeping good grades. For many years as a young man, Billy helped out at home, taking care of his grandfather, Paul Musial, who was a minor league baseball prospect at one time.
Billy’s first job was at Harris Stamp Co., doing mechanical work. He then went to work at Klev-Bro Shoe Co. in Derry until the company shut down in 2011. He then went to work part time at Ames Department Store. When Billy’s brother Robert returned from Arizona, Robert moved back into the family home with Billy. Robert’s health was poor, and he could not work. Both brothers began to accept the generous services of The Sonshine Soup Kitchen, the Knights of Columbus-St. Thomas Aquinas, the Marion Gerrish Center and St. Luke’s Pantry. They also came under the watchful eye of Community Caregivers of Greater Derry.
After retirement, Billy became a fixture in Derry, walking all over town to shop, to go to the library and to visit the various social agencies where he had many, many friends. After Robert passed away, Billy sold the family home and eventually moved into an apt. at Nutfield Heights in Derry, enjoying beautiful sunset views from his living room window.
Eventually Billy had to fight a battle with cancer which was discovered last fall. He moved out of Derry and moved into the Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Home in Manchester. There, he was lovingly cared for by the Nursing home staff and by Manchester VNA and Hospice. Billy was predeceased by his mother, Pauline in 1988, his father, Robert in 2001, and by his brother, Robert J. Carlisle, Jr. in 2018.
As per Billy’s wishes, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College has accepted Billy’s remains, to help further the cause of modern medical education and research. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Derry and Londonderry is assisting “Team Billy” with the arrangements. Billy respectfully requested no flowers, but that donations be sent to any one of the organizations which provided services to Billy and Robert.
A celebration of life will be held at the Sunshine Soup Kitchen at a date to be determined.