Amherst, William Hanks, 87, died the 5th of September 2017 at his home in Amherst surrounded by family after a 2 year battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife Lynn Noonan Hanks of 67 years, Son Rick Hanks of Amherst, MA, daughters Susan Lynch of Holyoke, MA, Cheryl Rhodes of Shutesbury, MA, Helen Hanks of Amherst, MA, 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and German Shepherd Shamus.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Amherst. He was born in Cushman on June 2nd 1930 to Harold and Mildred (Tibbetts) Hanks. As a young man he attended Amherst Public School while also working in his Father’s store, Hanks Store, on Main ST. He joined the Navy and spent 1948 and 1949 on the aircraft carrier Franklin Deleno Roosevelt. After the Navy he attended Northampton Commercial College for business and worked at Umass. In 1950 while working at Umass he started his own business, Amherst Maintenance, which upon his retirement was passed on to his son Rick and son-in-law Lester. An avid outdoorsman Bill loved to hunt and fish all over New England. In his retirement he enjoyed working in his rose and perennial gardens, family get-togethers by his pool, and his extensive collection of clocks.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Harold and Mildred and sister Madeline (Hanks) Bosi. Services will be held at the Douglass Funeral Service Saturday September 16th. Visiting hours will be 9:30am-10:30am with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church.

The family would like to thank Dr. Andrew Hall and staff, Dr. Holly Michaelson, and Cooley Dickinson Hospice for their compassion and care over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dakin Animal Shelter or St. Brigid’s Catholic Church.