William Cannuli

Never with a need or desire for reward or acknowledgment, caring for people was always job one. When it snowed Bill would clear the entire block. He also fed half the area out of his garden, depositing his bounty, carefully wrapped, on his neighbors’, family’s and friends back steps. His giving & caring for others was endless.

Bill was all about the outdoors: no doubt where you’d find him from September until December. But in the end he didn’t even bother to shoot the deer. He just admired their beauty.

Bill was also an avid gardener, maintaining a hot house at his home, including getting out of bed in the middle of the night to check that the heat was still on for his budding crops of vegetables and flowers. Even that level of dedication wasn’t enough to satisfy him: in his spare time he frequently helped out at the Varsaci Farm.

Bill was a social butterfly and loyal friend, relative and grandfather. For over a decade he’d meet with the guys from his years at the Turnpike for breakfast. He also enjoyed watching a little wrestling at his brother’s house. If you’d run into him you’d hear all about his grandkids. Always in the front row for a game or a recital. His grandkids also knew where he hid his candy: “Here.” he’d say, “Just for you”. Bill knew how to make them feel important.

Bill followed a girl home from the rollerskating rink. He was 17, Karen was 15. Though she wasn’t allowed in his car, Billy hung in there, spending hours sitting on her couch. In later years he’d quietly hug her in the kitchen. Their 50 year marriage was blessed by two sons, Bill Jr. and Marc (Laurie) and three grandchildren, Ella, Luke and Clara. He taught them all to keep their promises and work hard. He is survived by his siblings John (Dolores), Tom, and Karen Wajda; his in laws, Russell and Alice Bowles; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Come celebrate 73 great years Wednesday 7-9 p.m.and Thursday 9-10 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 10:30 a.m. at Parish of Jesus the Good Shepherds, St. Joseph’s Church, Beverly. Interment private. Donation in lieu of flowers to the National Kidney Foundation (kidney.org) or St. Judes Hospital (stjude.org) will be appreciated.