With heavy hearts but cherished memories, we announce the passing of our beloved father and loving husband, William S. Owen, 88, of Southborough. He died peacefully while surrounded by family on Wednesday March 12, 2025, at UMass Memorial -Marlborough Hospital. While we mourn his loss, we take comfort in the countless moments of joy, love, and wisdom he shared in his own quiet way with all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, and we are forever grateful for the time we had with him.
In addition to his beloved wife Shirley (Bailey), Bill is survived by his children, Jeffrey Owen (Missy) of Sunapee, NH, Tamara Owen (Michele Coughlin) of Buffalo, NY and Laurie Gamble (Michael Candido) of Rye, NY. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ashley Owen, Connor Owen, Taylor D’Amico and Madison Gamble and his great grandson, Bailey Owen.
Bill was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and although he spent most of his life in New England, he also lived in Texas during his father’s military service. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1959 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Bill enjoyed a distinguished career as a project superintendent with Perini and J.F. White Construction Companies where he had the opportunity to lead significant engineering projects, including the Callahan and Ted Williams Tunnels in Boston. We all believe the term “DIY” was originated to describe how Bill lived his life. He could engineer, build, fix or repair just about anything, and although his primary focus was doing this for his family, Bill was constantly helping neighbors, fellow boaters, and even strangers.
Bill and his family lived in Southborough, MA, where he made sure each season was filled with fun and adventure. Though he worked from sunrise to sunset, he made time for the family to unwind by the pool in the summer and enjoy regular visits to grandparents in the coastal towns of Rockport and Amesbury, MA. During the winter months, he loved taking the family on snowmobiling trips and teaching his kids to ski by the age of three, creating lasting memories skiing together at Sunday River in Bethel, Maine. Bill instilled in his children the importance of education, hard work, responsibility, respect for others, and the value of being self-sufficient DIY’ers. It is no surprise that each of them can confidently tackle their own home improvement projects.
Though he often expressed his affection quietly, Bill deeply adored and cherished his wife Shirley, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. After raising their children, the couple spent four decades enjoying the friendships they made at the Port Norfolk Yacht Club and captaining his boat up and down the East Coast—a passion deeply rooted in the traditions of both the Owen and Bailey families. Bill’s greatest joy came from witnessing the independence and happiness each of his children achieved, surpassed only by the gift and blessing of his four amazing grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday April 4, 2025, at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 15 Common St., Southborough, MA 01772.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Amesbury Carriage Museum at https://amesburycarriagemuseum.org/donate, or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 252, Amesbury, MA
01913.
(Photo and Obituary via Morris-Johnston Funeral Home)
