William H. “Bill” May, Passes at 80
Wednesday, June 02, 2021
William H. "Bill" May, 80, passed away on Wednesday, May 12th at his home.
He is survived by his wife, Bette, of 59 years, and his daughter, Michele Kettle (Matthew), his son Michael May and his grandson Nicholas Kettle. William was the son of the late Roland and Ella May of North Attleboro. Bill was the oldest of four children and is survived by his brother Carl May (Susan) of Murphy, N.C., and his sister Beverly Goulet (Edgar) of North Attleboro. He had been predeceased by his brother Gerald May (Lois) of Coventry.
Bill was a quiet, polite, and dedicated family man who also had a great love of his adventures with his grandson from childhood through adulthood. Bill earned the nickname “Gumpa” from Nick when he was a toddler and never gave up the title. Gumpa became well known to all of Nick’s family and friends throughout the years. Gumpa and Nick were often involved in many hijinks and Bill was not merely an observer but he was an avid participant in the activities.
Bill loved all of the Boston sports teams but really loved the Red Sox. He also loved playing and watching golf with his brothers and grandson. He had fond memories of playing golf on Father’s Day with his dad and two brothers.
Bill was a self-taught man of many talents. He was an avid electronics repairman and operated a television repair business in the 1970s. He was a longtime member of the Fidelity Amateur Radio club and enjoyed countless hours on the ham radio with his grandson and brothers. Bill operated his ham radio under the call sign WA1WM and collected many contacts on the radio from all over the country.
Bill was employed by Victor Electric for 40 years prior to its closing in 2000 and then worked at BJ’s Wholesale Club for 18 years prior to his retirement in 2020.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at 10:30 am at the Coventry Memorial VFW Auxillary, 29 S Main St., Coventry.
Rather than formal attire, all are encouraged to wear Boston Red Sox gear in tribute to Bill.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William H. "Bill" May please visit the floral store.
