William T. Rhoda “Billy Bumper” passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on Tuesday, August 15th at the Woburn Nursing Center. He was 87. Born and raised in Somerville, William was the son of the late William and Sadie (Grundy) Rhoda.
William was raised in Somerville and lived most of his life in Medford. He served with honor in the U.S. Air Force during the earliest phase of the Vietnam War. He was a good and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Bill worked for many years as an auto paint sales rep. He was so well regarded that his employers asked him to stay on long after retirement age. Bill enjoyed time with his family and looked forward to playing poker and meeting up with old friends at Suffolk Downs. He was also a great sports fan and followed all Boston sports teams. As the years went by, his greatest passion became spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always made time to go to a ballgame or to a birthday party.
William is survived by his beloved wife Florence (Saitta), with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. He leaves his daughters, Debra Daley and her husband Brian of Medford; and Linda McKenna and her husband Richard of Woburn. William was lovingly known as papa to all. He was the grandfather and great-grandfather to Brian, his wife Linda and their children Brian and Andrew; Steven, his wife Jen and their children, Michael, Sean and Ryan; William and his wife Molly; and Patrick, his wife Cassandra and their daughter, Riley. William was the dear brother of the late Lorraine Zachular-Presteria. William is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St. Medford on Wednesday, August 30th from 4 – 8 PM with a funeral service conducted in funeral home at 7 PM. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please honor William’s memory by making memorial contributions to the Alzheimers Association 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452, or to the Leukemia Society, 70 Walnut St., # 301, Wellesley, MA 02481.