Former sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps
MELROSE — William J. “Bill” Deane, of Melrose, passed away on August 21, 2021 at the age of 83. Bill was born in Somerville on August 3, 1938 to William and Eileen (O’Connell) Deane.
Bill was President of the Massachusetts Aviation Historical Society Inc. a non-profit, tax-exempt organization focused on researching, preserving, and publishing the story of the Bay State’s rich aviation heritage. His previous M.A.H.S. offices and committee assignments included service as a Director, Treasurer, and Newsletter/Journal Editor.
Bill also has served on the Board of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay, was former Chairman of the Audit Committee, and was also Chairman of the Ames Committee of Melrose, a charitable trust providing assistance to Melrose residents in need.
Mr. Deane was an honors graduate of Northeastern University and the Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University. Bill retired as Senior Vice President of Shawmut Bank, Boston and was a payments system consultant, an antiquarian book dealer and aviation historian. Hobbies include testing beta test software, evaluating PC flight simulation systems and collecting early aeronautical memorabilia and books. Before college he served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps in the infantry and subsequently as a crew chief in an air control squadron after graduating from the Air Force and Navy aviation technical schools.
Bill was an active member and/or advisor to a number of organizations including the Aero Club of N.E,. the Massachusetts Aero Commission, Massachusetts Air and Space Education Council and the American Aviation Historical Society. He is recognized as co-founder and pathfinder of the MASM.
Beloved husband of Myrna A. (Deveau) Deane of Melrose. Loving father of Johanna True and her husband, William, of Byfield, MA; Evan Deane and his wife, Andrea, of Holden (Jefferson), MA; Sara Deane and her partner, Elisha, of Westbrook, ME; Carolyn White and her husband, Jeffrey, of Melrose; and Cameron Deane and his wife, Erica, of Reading. Proud grandfather of Emily, Natalie, William and Derek True; Nicholas, Kyle and Mason Deane; Calvin, Sophia, Cameron and Alexa White; Liam, Tyler and Lorelee Deane.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 27, 2021 at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield. Interment following the Mass at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the MASM (Massachusetts Air & Space Museum), 200 Hanscom Dr., Bedford, MA 01730 or to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 11 Grove St. Wakefield, MA 01880. Arrangements by the Gately Funeral Home in Melrose. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
