William A. Illingworth

William A. Illingworth, 86 of Springfield, VT, formerly of Bedford, died Wednesday, January 26, 2005 in Vermont.  He was born on February 26, 1918 in Lincoln, RI, the son of the late John Rhodes and Gladys Holt Illingworth.  In June of 1942 he married Mary Steinbugler of Brooklyn, NY and she preceded him in death in November of 1989.  He is survived by a daughter Barbara I. Rodgers and Armand Soucy, with whom he made his home, 1 brother Richard H. Illingworth and wife Dorothy of Long Boat Key, FL and Nantucket, MA; 3 grandchildren, William A. Illingworth IV of Phoenixville, John C. Illingworth of Lake Worth, Fl, and Sarah Illingworth of Philadelphia, and a daughter-in-law Susan Illingworth of Everett.  In addition, he will be missed by many treasured friends, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a step-granddaughter, Sherry Cain of Everett, PA, and her family.  He  was preceded in death by, 1 son, Dr. William A. Illingworth III, who died on May 12, 2004 and his daughter-in-law Ruth Ann Shulte Illingworth, who died on November 7, 1994.

Bill lived a long, colorful and successful life.  He was an avid fisherman, and he possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of nature.  His curiosity never left him, and he was a fascinating conversationalist, always ready with a story.

Bill attended Duke University, he served in the infantry in France in World War II.  He attained the rank of major, and earned a bronze star, a silver star, and two purple hearts, among other medals.   The people of Metz, France, awarded him a medal in gratitude for his role as a principal liberator of their city on November 19, 1944.

Together with his father and brother, Bill they owned two textile dyeing and finishing plants located in Greenville, RI and Taunton, MA.  After retirement in 1970, Bill and Mary bought a plane, became licensed pilots, and traveled extensively.  In 1988, they moved to Everett to be near their grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2005 at 11:00 AM from the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, with the Rev. Paul Claycomb officiating, Friends will be received half hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Those wishing can make donations in Bill’s memory, to the AmeriCares Tsunami Relief Fund, 88 Hamilton Ave., Stamford, CT 06902.