William E. Carleton

William E. Carleton, age 67, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at his home in East Walpole, Massachusetts, following a brief illness. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on September 17, 1957, he was the son of the late James and Rita Catherine (Keough) Carleton, who raised their large and loving family on Bird Street in East Walpole. 

Bill was one of seven siblings and was the prototypical mischievous middle child. His shenanigans were never mean-spirited, instead revealing a great sense of humor from an early age. He graduated from Walpole High School in 1975 before attending Biscayne College in Miami, Florida, where he played soccer alongside a tight group of other Walpole transplants. 

After returning home, he began his career in the construction industry and quickly became a jack of all trades. Bill developed an expertise in finish carpentry and his work took him throughout the Boston metro area. He especially enjoyed helping to renovate dozens of brownstones and other residential and commercial properties. His family and friends could attest to his talent, as he applied his skills at many of their homes during the years. His sister, Cathy, noted that the best tool in her toolbox was Bill’s phone number. 

Fueled by his joking and storytelling, Bill was good company wherever he went – whether he was at Perks Coffeehouse in the morning, or Lewis’ in the evening. Ever an East Walpole man at heart, he loved the Bird Park as well as supporting the Bruins, Patriots, Red Sox and Celtics. 

A quick-witted, independent man with a wide circle of friends, Bill was always eager to lend a hand and downplayed his role when being thanked. He loved his brothers, sisters and their spouses, and was equally fond of his many nieces and nephews and their children. 

Brother of Pamela J. Gibson and her husband James of Foxboro; Terence Carleton and his wife Sharon of Needham; Michael Carleton and his wife Jeuli Bartenstein of Arlington, Virginia; Christopher Carleton and his wife Michelle of Foxboro; Thomas Carleton of Foxboro; and Catherine Mock and her husband Paul of Foxboro.

Cherished uncle of Leah Gibson, Jessica James, Sara Gibson, Erik Carleton, Megan Carleton Stepanian, Timothy Carleton, Devon Carleton, Emma Carleton, Benjamin Carleton, Julia Sproul, Colin Mock, and the late Darren Carleton, and great-uncle to Anna, Katelyn, and Audrey James; Leighton and David Sherlock; Charles and Emma Stepanian; Livia and Evan Carleton; Noah Sproul; and Cashel Carleton.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Bill’s Life Celebration on Thursday, December 5th, 2024, from 4:00pm - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. 

A Funeral Service will be held at Saint Mary’s Church, 176 Washington St, East Walpole at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 6th , 2024. Interment will take place at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill’s name may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice at 160 Wells Ave. Newton, MA 02459, or by visiting https://gscommunitycare.org/Donate.