William P. Djerf

William P. Djerf, Jr., age 92, passed away peacefully in the Lydia Taft House in Uxbridge, Massachusetts on Saturday, April 8, 2017. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on May 13, 1924, he was the son of the late William P. and Mildred L. (Westhaver) Djerf. He was raised in Dedham, Massachusetts, graduating from Dedham High School with the Class of 1942. After graduation, William took a position as a welder at the Charlestown and Quincy Shipyards, working with structural steel.

Once World War II broke out, William answered the call of his country, and was drafted into the United States Navy. He served in the Mediterranean, aboard the USS Dallas, which was under heavy fire often while serving on convoy duty and submarine protection. After a brief layover in Cuba, he was transferred to the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations, aboard the USS Auman, which helped in the detonation of explosives. He served in the Pacific for 10 months, awaiting the invasion of Japan near the Philippines. When the war ended in 1946, William was honorably discharged, after earning the rank of Metalsmith Second Class.

After his discharge from the Navy, William returned home to Dedham and enrolled in the New England School of Art. In 1950, he returned to iron work, taking a job with the Ironworkers Local 7 in Boston. He spent 35 dedicated years with the Union, retiring in 1985. Even in his retirement, he continued working in iron fabrication, making railings and structural steel projects in his shop in Walpole until 2000.

William married his wife, Genevieve G. Delaney, in 1955, and together they made their home in South Norwood. In 1958, the young family moved to Barstow Road in Walpole, before settling into their Hemlock Street home in East Walpole in 1964. William was a wonderful father to his children, he ensured his family never wanted for anything and always provided a good home. His care for his family was never more evident, then when he lovingly provided care and support for his wife in the final years of her illness.

Over the course of his life, William was a lover of art. He created wonderful canvas works as a young man and picked up his drawing skills again as he grew older. Alongside his wife, William kept a very busy social calendar, attending ballroom dances almost every weekend. William served as a mentor to friends and family for years, always doing his best to help anyone in need.

Beloved husband of the late Genevieve G. (Delaney) Djerf.
Loving father of William P. Djerf, III of Wrentham, Beverly Mae Bickford of North Carolina, and Patricia Kelley of Foxborough.
Cherished grandfather of four.
Brother of the late Harold Djerf and the late Mildred Kroufas.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend William's Life Celebration on Thursday, April 13, 2017 from 9-11 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Home Service will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton.