Deputy Chief William L. Cobb, Sr. (retired BFD), age 88, of Middleboro, formerly of Brockton, passed peacefully on July 31, 2023 surrounded by his loving family and his dog Sheena. He was the husband of the late Linda J. (Farrell) Cobb. Born in Brockton and raised in Brockton and Boston, Bill was the son of the late Lyman E. and Catherine (Gilligan) Cobb.
Bill was a Korean War veteran and a member of the Air Force. While he was serving he participated in judo and football.
Bill earned an associate degree in Fire Science from Massasoit Community College and enjoyed 42 years serving the citizens of Brockton. As the commander of the Fire Prevention Bureau for many years, Bill and his crew oversaw many building projects and the installation of fire protection equipment throughout the city. As the head of the Fire Investigation Unit, Bill investigated many fires and solved many arsons. For one and a half years, Bill served as Acting Fire Chief. All in all, Bill spent 32 years in the Brockton fire department and 10 years in the Brockton DPW.
When not working, Bill spent time with his family day-tripping to Plymouth and camping at Peters Pond Park in Sandwich. He had also enjoyed traveling with his family and watching his grandchildren's sports, making him a softball fanatic. Bill enjoyed meeting and chatting with his friends at various coffee shops, making sure to always get his beloved jelly stick. A kind and gentle man with a sense of humor, Bill loved his family- his children and grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his children Heidi Cobb Higuera and her husband Alan of Holbrook, William Cobb, Jr. of Brockton and Michael Cobb and his wife Kristen of Middleboro; his three grandchildren Mickayla, Hannah and Liam Cobb; several nieces and nephews and his dog Sheena. Bill was predeceased by his siblings John, Jim, Daniel, Mary, Catherine and Margie.
The family wishes to thank AccentCare Hospice and his Private Caregivers.
Visiting hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte. 123), Brockton on Sunday, August 6 from 3-7 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, August 7 at 10am, followed by burial in Pine Hill Cemetery, West Bridgewater.
Donations in Bill’s name may be made to Brockton Firefighters Relief Association, P.O. Box 3341, Brockton, MA 02304.