Active member of West Side Social Club and Relay for Life

WAKEFIELD — William J. Brown, age 74 of Wakefield, died on Sunday, January 29 at his home.

He was born in Everett on August 1, 1948 and was the son of the late William P. and Shirley (Soper) Brown.

Bill grew up and Wakefield and was a graduate of Wakefield High School. He joined the US Army and served in Vietnam for two tours. He was a member of Local Union 56 before retiring in 2000 due to a major injury. He enjoyed candlepin bowling and bowled in many leagues. He enjoyed watching the Red Sox and the Patriots and constantly yelled at the television. Bill was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, West Side Social Club and Event Leadership Team for Relay for Life of Wakefield.

He was the beloved husband of Claire (Doucette) Brown. He was the loving father of William J. Brown Jr., and his wife Diana of Wilmington, Leeca Nalette and her husband Michael of Warren, N.H., Wayne Brown of Wakefield, and stepfather of Renée Doucette and partner Amanda Michienzi of Woburn. He was the brother of Cheryl Brown of GA, Deborah Palumbo and her husband Robert of Hyannis, and the late Larrie Brown and Leeca Holleran. Bill was the brother-in-law of Cindy Brown of Wolfboro, N.H., and the late Virginia Berger. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Nicholas, Andrew, Ethan, Aiden, Alyanna, Evan, Molly, Bailey and Tyler, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday, February 3 from 3-6 p.m. Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s name may be made to Relay for Life of Wakefield (Team No Name)