Wilson “Bill” Henderson, 87, of Pelham, MA, passed away peacefully on December 17th, 2018 in his home, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born in East Longmeadow on April 17th, 1931. He was the son of Francis and Olga (Wilson) Henderson. He attended center school in East Longmeadow, Forest Park Junior High School, and technical high school in Springfield. Bill went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from M.I.T. in 1953, where he played varsity basketball and baseball. Bill won the MVP award on his 1952 baseball team.
After serving two years in the U.S. Army, and receiving the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal, Bill worked 33 years as a field engineer for Daniel O’Connell & Sons, constructing many of the buildings in downtown Springfield and on the Amherst College and UMass campuses. Through his relationship with his soon-to-be father-in-law, Bill was introduced to the love of his life, Gail, who would later become his wife of 49 years. Bill was fortunate enough to retire early and enjoy time with his loving wife while they travelled all over the country with good friends.
Much of his later years were spent hunting, fishing and gardening. Bill really enjoyed playing ball with his grandchildren while young. He and Gail were a continuous support system for their grandchildren. Bill’s love for sports drove his devotion to each grandchild and the activity that they chose to be involved in. He and Gail spent countless hours watching their grandchildren play sports, dance in recitals, and ride horses. One of his favorite activities was taking them to their Brimfield lake house to swim. Their happiness and educational success meant the world to him and he devoted his later years to making sure that they, and his children, were taken care of.
Predeceased by his wife, Gail (Strapakas) Henderson, in 2015, he leaves behind his oldest daughter, Michelle, and her husband Steve Rogalski of Shutesbury, and their three children, Megan, C.J., and Nikki. He also leaves behind his youngest daughter, Suzanne, and her husband Leo Velez of Belchertown, and their four children, AJ, DJ, Carly and Angelina. In addition to his loving children and grandchildren, Bill leaves his sister-in-law Lynn and her husband Albert Majewski of Florida, and their two daughters.
A memorial service to honor Bill will be held on Sunday, January 27th, 2019 from 12pm-3pm at the Hadley Farms Meeting House located at 41 Russell St. in Hadley, MA. Donations in Bill’s name may be made to: Disabled American Veterans, Department of Massachusetts, State House Room 546, Boston, MA 02133