William “Bill” Beaulieu, 57, of Cape Canaveral, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 24th, 2024. In his final moments, he was surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was a man of immense humor and deep love for his country.
Bill is survived by his partner, Bette Smolos; his sons William Beaulieu II of Dallas, Texas, and Kevin Beaulieu (Valerie) of Buffalo, NY; his siblings Christine Beaulieu and Carol Beaulieu-Gonsalves of Greenville, RI, Robert Beaulieu (Karen) of Hernando, Florida; and his sister-in-law, Susan Beaulieu of Cranston, Rhode Island. Bill is also survived by Barbara Beaulieu of East Greenbush, NY, his former spouse and the mother of their two sons. Bill also leaves behind many cherished cousins, ten beloved nieces and nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Beaulieu Sr. And Norma (Jeschke) Beaulieu, and his brothers, Joseph Beaulieu Jr., John “Jack” Beaulieu, and James Beaulieu.
Bill was born on June 21, 1967, in Johnston, Rhode Island, to Norma and Joseph Beaulieu Sr. He grew up on Manuel Avenue in a quaint neighborhood with his six siblings. Every Christmas, the Beaulieu family would travel far and wide to celebrate together in the house where he was raised. They shared traditional New England lobster boils, often accompanied by their father’s homemade bread rolls, which added a special touch to their gatherings.
At the age of 21, Bill joined the Air Force, a decision that would shape his life and his sons’ lives. A combat veteran in Operation Iraqi Freedom, he dedicated 20 years of service to the Air Force stationed in California, Texas, New Jersey, Japan, and South Korea. His example inspired his two sons, Will, a U.S. Army veteran, and Kevin, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, to follow in his footsteps, a testament to the impact that Bill had on their lives.
Bill loved the beach. Growing up in Rhode Island, he developed a lifelong affinity for the ocean. In recent years, he cherished his life in Cape Canaveral, where he enjoyed watching rocket launches, relaxing on the beaches, diving, cooking, tending to his garden, golfing, and spending time with his friends and his partner, Bette.
Bill’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. He will be remembered for the distinct mark he made on those around him. His memory will endure in the hearts of those who knew him, and his presence will be deeply missed. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created.
To honor Bill’s life, a committal service including military honors will take place on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 12:30 PM at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery.