BOULANGER, William Edward Age 90 of Dedham, MA, passed away on August 15, 2023.
Mr. B or Bouly as he was so lovingly called, was born on July 8, 1933, to parents William and Mary (Richard) Boulanger in Hyde Park, MA.
Bouly came from very humble beginnings, and when he was 14, he forged his mother’s signature so that he could enlist in the Marines, later joining both the Air Force and the Army..
Mr. B worked for the Boston Fire Department - thanks to his wife who had heard the Fire Department was hiring and took it upon herself to fill out an application without his knowledge and only after his acceptance was he told – until his retirement after 43 years.
William married the former Dorothy Alice Connor on October 10, 1954, and together they celebrated 69 years.
Anyone who knew Mr. B, knew that he was the most loving father, husband, grandfather and GiGi a family could ask for. He loved to sail, play cribbage, cook, garden, beekeeping and visits to his favorite places, Rhode Island, and Florida. But more than anything he loved spending time with family.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dorothy; children Dorothy (Kenneth) Laumann of Hudson, NH, John (Sherry) Boulanger of Canton, MA, Brad Boulanger and Robert (Diane) Boulanger of Dedham, MA. Grandchildren; Chasity Laumann, Kim Ubele, Brad, Jason, Ben and Andrew Boulanger and Great-Grandchildren; Makena and Sean Ubele, Stella and Adeline Abcunas and Liam and Mollie Boulanger.
William was predeceased by his son, William Joseph, on July 4, 2019, and his grandson Jamey Boulanger, on July 15, 2023.
Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. This is how William lived his life. He made you feel loved, like a friend for life and the most important person in the room. “Never say goodbye, say I’ll see you later”.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., Dedham on Sunday, Aug. 20 from 4-7pm. His funeral will be held from the funeral home on Monday, Aug. 21 at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Dedham at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham.
In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to the following in memory of Mr. B: The Home for Little Wanderers, C/O Development Department, 10 Guest St., Fl 3, Boston, MA 02135 or Boston Children's Hospital, In Memory of William Boulanger, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115.