William Addington Slagle, Jr., a long time resident of West Medford and beloved husband of the late Harriet (Ferris) Slagle, died on Wednesday morning, November 3, 2010, at the Orleans Convalescent Home in Orleans, Massachusetts. He was 98 years old.
Mr. Slagle was born in Stamford, Connecticut, the oldest son of William A. Slagle, Sr and Mildred (Grigg) Slagle. He had two brothers, the late Richard Grigg Slagle and Robert Bruce Slagle. Mr. Slagle spent his early years in Stamford, Connecticut, attending public schools. In 1933, he graduated from Worcester Poly-Technic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He spent the next three years working for the town of Stamford, Engineering Department. In 1935, he married Harriet Francis Ferris, also a resident of Stamford. In 1936, Mr. Slagle accepted a position as Junior Engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he specialized in water resource development and flood control. Then in 1944 Bill took a leave of absence to accept a commission with the US Naval Reserve, where he was assigned to a Construction Battalion, known as the Sea Bees.
He participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy Beach in France. A year later he was transferred, with his battalion, to the Pacific Theater where he participated in the invasion of Okinawa. He and his battalion were en-route to Guam to re-stage for the invasion of Japan when Peace was declared.
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy Lieutenant, he returned to the Army Engineers to round out 31 years of service. He spent the next 16 years with the Massachusetts State Division of Water Pollution Control.
Since his retirement, Mr. Slagle has been busy with Medford community affairs, serving as President of the Royall House Association for twelve years, the Board of Directors for Lawrence Memorial Hospital and the Medford Chapter of the AARP and numerous committee assignments at his church - the Congregational Church of West Medford, including the position of Church Clerk for 30 years. He was also a member of the American Legion in Medford for many years.
Bill was the beloved father of William A. Slagle, III of Lakeworth, Florida, Robert D. Slagle of Newburyport and Russell A. and his wife Barbara A. Slagle of Brewster. He was the cherished grandfather of Jacqueline S. Slagle of Brewster and Darra L. Slagle of West Roxbury and dear great-grandfather of Grier, Gabriella and Greta. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours were held in the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford, Monday, November 8, 2010, from 4 to 7 PM. His funeral service was celebrated in the Congregational Church of West Medford, 400 High Street, West Medford, Tuesday morning at 10 AM. Many relatives and friends were in attendance. Interment was in the Long Ridge Cemetery in Stamford, Connecticut. Donations in Bill's memory may be made to the Congregational Church of West Medford, 400 High Street, West Medford, Massachusetts 02155. For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.