William Donald “Bill” Mafera, 92, of Derry NH passed away Friday, October 9, surrounded by his loving family at Community Hospice House of Merrimack, NH. Bill was born March 26, 1934, in Boston, MA and was a son of the late Americo and Irene (Colton) Mafera. Bill was raised and educated in Medford, MA. He was a long-time resident of Derry.
Bill is a Marine and proudly served his country in the Korean War from 1951 to 1954. Bill had a long career as a salesman for the American Chain Link Fence Company. His most treasured times were spent with his wife, Rachel, at his home on Beaver Lake in Derry where he enjoyed gardening, boating and family get-togethers with all the grandchildren. Bill also had a life-long love for music and was a talented piano and trumpet player who loved to perform for anyone who would listen. He also enjoyed singing in many different choral groups over the years.
Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife of 70 years, Rachel (Ballenger) Mafera, in April of 2023 and his son John Mafera.
Bill’s family members include his five children and their spouses William (Eva) Mafera of Townsend, MA; Rachel (Thomas) Mann of Littleton, MA; Joseph Mafera of Shirley, MA; David (Linda) Mafera of Tuftonboro, NH; and Gerald (Christine) Mafera of Derry; 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; his daughter-in-law Sue; and his brother Donald Mafera of Manchester NH. Bill will be missed each and every day and held close in our hearts and memories.
A family graveside service with Marine Honors will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery of East Derry. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, Attn: RNMOW, 106 North Road, Brentwood, NH 03833.