William Nailling Ring

William Nailling Ring, age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2025, at his home in Medfield, Massachusetts. Born in Newton, Massachusetts on December 6, 1930, he was the son of the late Frank R. and Ima C. (Nailling) Ring. Bill was raised in Newton, where he attended the local public schools. While in high school, Bill played football and hockey. After his graduation from Newton High School with the class of 1949, Bill continued his education at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

 In August of 1954, Bill enlisted in the United State Army and would proudly serve his country as a Technical Sergeant during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in August of 1956. Bill returned to Durham, where he met his first wife, Ruth K. Core. The pair were married on March 25, 1958, and two years later, their family grew with the birth of their daughter Mary Arden.

 After spending many years in Durham, Bill and his family returned to Massachusetts, settling in Walpole, in 1963.

 In the 1990's, Bill would meet Cynthia (Swett) Watson. The pair would form a consulting company together, specializing in human resources development and executive training. They would also eventually fall in love. Bill moved to Holliston, Massachusetts where he and Cynthia made their home together in 1999, and were eventually married. In his free time, Bill enjoyed playing the guitar and playing golf, and was an active member at the Holliston Country Club.

 Most importantly, though, and right up until his last days, Bill was always helping people find their way through challenges in their lives, with his positive attitude, words of encouragement, and sense of humor. He was an avid reader, and would often recommend books, highlighting passages that he thought might help someone. For Bill, the glass was always half full, and that was how he lived his life, and inspired those around him to do the same. It didn’t matter whether he had known you all his life, or if he had just met you.

Beloved husband of the late Cynthia (Swett) Ring, and the late Ruth K. (Core) Ring. Loving father of the late Mary A. Dugdale. Stepfather of Virginia Whetsel D'Ercole and her husband, Joseph, of Attleboro, the late Cynthia A. Whetsel, the late Pamela Watson-Hogan and her husband Patrick, and the late Allyson Watson. Grandfather of Christopher J. Dugdale and his wife, Beth, of Wrentham, Sarah E. Dugdale and her partner, Donald R. Treannie Jr., of Foxborough, and Kimberly A. Spiegel and her husband, Justin, of Easton; and five great grandchildren. Step grandfather of Ethan Watson-Hogan, Andrew Watson-Hogan, and Caroline Watson-Hogan. Brother of the late Frank Ring Jr., Evelyn Wood, and Virginia Lane. Cherished Uncle of David Ring of Newton, several nieces, grand nieces and nephews, and cousins. Bill is also survived by many friends and devoted caregivers. We are most grateful to Kristy Rosado, Carol Scott, Patty Wolf, Carol Larson, and Eric Kahler. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Bill's Life Celebration on Tuesday February 18th from 4pm to 7pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Memorial service will be held at United Church in Walpole, 30 Common Street on Wednesday February 19th at 10:30am. Interment will take place privately at the family's request.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill's name may be made to a charity of one’s choice.