Published June 4, 2021
SOMERVILLE — On Tuesday May 25, Bill Redmond passed away peacefully of congestive heart failure at the age of 79. Bill was born in Somerville to William Redmond, Sr. and Ester Sweeney.
He received his bachelor’s degree from St John’s and his master’s degree from the University of New Mexico. Bill met his loving wife, Barbara, while both teaching at an elementary school, and married on December 23, 1967. Together they raised five successful children. Throughout his long school career, Bill worked with students as an adjustment counselor at the Galvin Middle School in Canton for 30 years and as a driver’s education instructor for the City of Milton for 22 years. Bill was a hard-working and dependable person who committed whole-heartedly to the success of the youth with whom he worked and raised. His caring and compassionate concern for children was supported by his strong Catholic faith.
Bill was kind and welcoming to family, friends and visitors; often being an unofficial City of Boston tour guide wearing the moniker Boston’s Own Bill Redmond (BOBR). Some of his favorite times included Washington D.C. trips with his middle school students, motor home vacations with his small children and retirement trips to Europe with his adventurous wife. His many service endeavors include MA Army National Guard, several years of service on the board of the Foresters, volunteer work with Youth Enrichment Services, Melrose HS Band aid volunteer, Pier III Board President, state exam administrator, election warden, foster parent, and paper route logistics supervisor (x5 children). Having played multiple sports at Christopher Columbus High School, Bill was also an avid Boston sports fan.
He leaves behind two brothers Paul Redmond and spouse, Kathleen Redmond and Edward Redmond and spouse, Harriet Redmond. He also leaves behind Dr. Barbara Deveney Redmond, wife of 53 years and children Monique Redmond, MMA, of Massachusetts, Maj. Matthew Redmond of California (children Braden and Connor), Melissa Rosse, PharmD, and husband Jeff Rosse of Alabama (children Katie and Erin), Maura Redmond BS Civil Engineering, of Florida and Capt. Michael Redmond, MBA, and wife Lisa Harris Redmond (Lily, Mairi, Patrick and Molly). Over the last few days he expressed pride in the educational success of the family which he encouraged and supported.
A funeral mass will be held at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St., Melrose, on Saturday, May 29 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held prior to the mass from 10-11 a.m. at Incarnation Church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, https://rmhbostonharbor.org/ or Bridge over Troubled Waters, https://www.bridgeotw.org/. Additionally, a celebration of life for Bill will occur on Friday, July 16, with exact location and time TBD. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
