William F. Fitzgibbons

William F. Fitzgibbons, age 81, passed away in his East Walpole, Massachusetts home on Saturday, January 27, 2018. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on August 29, 1936, he was the son of the late William and Marjorie (Gifford) Fitzgibbons. He was raised in Norwood and graduated from Norwood High School with the Class of 1954. After graduation, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country at the close of the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in December of 1957, after earning the rank of Airman First Class.

Bill was a skilled mechanic and therefore when he returned home from the Air Force, he enrolled in mechanic's school. After completing his course work, he took a mechanic's position with Ground's Equipment in Newton. Bill was also a skilled carpenter and framer and took a part time position with Henry Baker Construction Company, building houses.

Bill married the love of his life, Mary B. "Barbie" Walker, on November 19, 1960 in Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole. They settled in East Walpole in 1971, where, together, they raised their family.

With his previous service to the government in the military, Bill applied for a job at both the Walpole Police Department and the Walpole Post Office. He was given both positions the same day, and having to make a choice, Bill took the job with the Walpole Police Department. Bill began his career as a patrolman and moved up the ranks to earn his Sergeant's stripes, before earning the rank of Lieutenant in 1993. His love for the job was second to none and he loved interacting with his fellow officers and training the new boys. Bill retired in 2001 after many years of dedicated service to the Town of Walpole.

In his retirement, Bill returned to his passion for woodworking and enjoyed making beautiful furniture for his family. He loved following both the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins as well as working in his yard and caring for his garden. Bill also enjoyed traveling, taking memorable trips to Florida, California, Santa Domingo, Nantucket, Mexico, and of course Las Vegas to visit the local casinos.

More than anything, Bill was a devoted family man. He was a dedicated husband to his wife, Barbie, and lovingly cared for her when she became ill. As a wonderful father, Bill enjoyed family cookouts and dinners at his children's homes when he was surrounded by all those he loved. Bill was overjoyed when his family began to grow with the addition of grandchildren, and he made sure to support them in all of their events.

Beloved husband of the late Mary B. "Barbie" (Walker) Fitzgibbons.
Loving father of Mary E. Halloway of East Walpole, Cindy A. Emswiler and her husband David of Wrentham, William P. Fitzgibbons and his wife Christine of Norwell, Laurie S. Ferland of Wrentham, and Juliet Mullen and her husband Stephen of Norfolk.
Cherished grandfather of 12 and great grandfather of 1.
Brother of Claire Dion of North Attleboro, Janet O'Brien of Plainville, the late Neil F. Fitzgibbons, and the late Gerald E. Fitzgibbons.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Bill's Life Celebration on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 from 4-7 PM and Thursday, February 1, 2018 from 9 to 9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Walpole Police Union, Local 115, P.O. Box 643, Walpole, MA 02081 for their scholarship program.