Billy (William) J. Luther Sr. of Salem passed away peacefully at home of natural causes. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Nicholas P. and Mary A. (Bobick) Luther.
Billy graduated from Salem High School and Wentworth Technical Institute. He worked at General Electric Riverworks for 20 years before joining the Boston Glazier Union (Local 1044), where he remained until his retirement last year.
Billy had a passion for sports, playing ice hockey, racquetball, and softball for the G.E. team. He enjoyed skiing in the winter and loved snowmobiling. A motorcycle enthusiast, his favorite pastime was riding his Harley. He also loved dancing, attending live music and sporting events, and socializing at local clubs, where he played on various dart teams.
For many years, he owned and operated Witch City DJ, emceeing numerous weddings on the North Shore. He always brought life to any party with his humor and great taste in music.
Billy was predeceased by his beloved sister, Gayle (Luther) Casey, to whom he had donated a kidney, and by his first wife, Deborah (Williams) Luther. He is survived by his son, William J. Luther Jr., fondly known as “Big Dog” and his daughter, Alanna Mary Luther, his “Honey Zoo” of Skowhegan, Maine, as well as his nephew, Michael Spring, and his wife, Caitlin, of Beverly. Billy was a proud “Grampy” to Liam J. Luther, whom he loved to surprise with gifts, from candy to dirt bikes. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon Luther Pepper; his brother-in-law, Lewis Casey; and his former wife and close friend MaryAnne Tracy.
Billy was well known and loved for his big heart, generous ways, outstanding Halloween costumes, incredible nickname-giving abilities, and dance moves. He will be deeply missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to his calling hours at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. [Route 114 / 1-A] Salem on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Guests are invited to his graveside service on Thursday, Oct. 3rd, in Calvary Cemetery, 165 Eastern Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930. Those attending are asked to meet at the cemetery main gate at 10:45 AM to be followed by his service at the family lot at 11:00 AM. For guestbook and to send a condolence to his family, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com