Published in the May 25, 2018 edition
BOXFORD — G. Dana Bill, 92, a longtime resident of Boxford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at the Brudnick Center for Living in Peabody.
Dana was born in Boston on May 6, 1926, one of two children of the late George Dana Bill and Bertha (Wood) Bill. Raised in Malden, Dana was a graduate of Malden High School, Class of ‘44 and was proud to represent his peers as Class President.
Following graduation, he enlisted into the V12 program of the US Navy during WWII and proudly served as a Seaman, 2nd Class. Upon entering the V12 program, he attended Bates College and then completed his bachelor’s degree at Tufts University.
On May 21, 1949, Dana married Anita Plummer, and they lived in Malden and Melrose before settling in Boxford with their family of three daughters. Dana accepted a position at Malden Trust Co. where he worked for over 40 years, retiring as President, CEO, and Director of the Bank. During this time he completed his master’s in Banking at Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University.
Dana had a passion and love for life. He shared his selfless nature with his family, friends and the many organizations he volunteered with. With strong roots in Malden, Dana was very involved in helping people in the Malden community. He generously volunteered his time at the Malden YMCA, was a member of Malden Rotary Club, served on the Board of Directors for Malden Hospital Association, served as Treasurer at the Davenport Home, and helped establish the Tri City Mental Health Center. He was a Founding Director of the New England Automated Clearing House Association. A banking professional, Dana was also a member of Mass Bankers Association, and Robert Morris Associates.
For many years, Dana enjoyed organizing Malden High School Class Reunions. He looked forward to returning to Malden High School as an active member of the scholarship committee to give the graduation speech each spring. While Dana kept his Malden roots close to his heart, he built a home in Boxford and became part of the community. He loved working in the yard, gardening, taking his daughters skating or fishing at the pond across the street, and spending time entertaining around the beloved pool.
Dana was a longtime member of the First and Second Congregational Churches of Boxford, where he served on the Board of Deacons, Superintendent of Sunday School, and their youth groups. He served on the Building Committee for Boxford Public Schools, and helped establish the Johnson Memorial Field with the Boxford Athletic Association. He also served on the Board of Directors of Boston Steel & Mfg. Co., and Dorn Equipment. After retiring, he volunteered at the Bread & Roses Soup Kitchen in Lawrence. Dana donated countless hours to many organizations, all in his genuine spirit of helping people.
Dana was very blessed in life, but always wanted to share his happiness with the world around him. He always had a smile on his face or a practical joke in the works. He was famous for joke gifts, short sheeting beds, and “counting ribs” of his children and grandchildren. He loved chocolate ice cream or anything chocolate, animals, patriotic music, and passed his love of the Boston Pops along to his family. A natural athlete, Dana loved skiing, tennis and handball, and played hockey every Friday night for many years. One of his favorite pastimes was singing along to music, whether he knew the words or not.
Above all, Dana’s dedication was to his family. He was very thoughtful, gentle, and kind. A true gentleman, Dana will be greatly missed, but his selfless, fun- loving spirit will remain in the hearts of his family and everyone who knew him.
Dana was the beloved husband of the late Anita (Plummer) Bill with whom he shared 68 years of marriage. Devoted father of Cathy B. Steer and her husband Phil of Gloucester, Deborah B. Thibault and her husband Don of York, Maine, and Holly B. Burke and her husband Joseph of Danvers. Loving brother of the late Priscilla Green. Cherished grandfather of Dana Steer and his partner Gary Hilborn of NYC, Andrew Steer and his wife Sarah of Lynnfield, Katelyn Steer and her wife Cass Anton-Steer of Cheshire, Conn., Jennifer Wilkes and her husband Ethan of NYC, Peter Thibault of London, England, and Rachel and Chad Burke, both of Danvers. Proud great-grandfather of Leah Pearl Steer of Lynnfield.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Dana’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, May 23, and for his funeral service at the Second Congregational Church, 173 Washington St., Boxford on Thursday. Interment with military honors presented by the US Navy at Boxford Village Cemetery, Boxford. Gifts in Dana’s memory may be made to the Malden YMCA, 99 Dartmouth St., Malden, MA 02148, or the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 or to a charity of your choice. For online tribute or directions: RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
