STONEHAM — William P. Cerretani, 97, of Stoneham, passed away on Friday, Sept. 12, at Lahey Clinic Medical Center.
He was the husband of the late Cecelia M. (Lombardi) Cerretani. He was the father of Constance Johnson and husband Dominic Torino, Gail Dierauer and husband Peter, William A. Cerretani and wife Cheryl. He was the grandfather of six and great-grandfather of 10.
Bill was a resident of Stoneham for over 60 years.
He was the owner of Cerretani’s Fruit Stand on Main Street in the early ‘50s, Stoneham Rapid Carwash and Stoneham Rapid Liquors in the ‘60s and early ‘70s and part owner of the Honeycomb Gift Shop in Wakefield and Stoneham from 1974 until 2005.
In the ‘60s Bill successfully championed against the Massachusetts Sunday Blue Laws in order to keep his carwash open on Sunday mornings.
Since retiring in 2005 Bill enjoyed playing cards at the Stoneham and Winchester Senior Centers.
He was the brother of John of Stoneham and Richard of Pocasset, brother of the late Joseph James, Charlie Cerretani, Fannie Miller and Ruth Piccirilli. Papa was adored by all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and he will be truly missed.
Bill was a World War II Veteran. He served with 182nd Infantry on Guadalcanal.
A funeral service celebrating Bill’s eternal life will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in the chapel of the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main St. (Route 28), Stoneham. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share remembrances with the family on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Parking attendants and elevator are available.
Arrangements by the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main St. (Route 28) Stoneham. For directions or to send a memorial condolence www.barilefuneral.com or www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome.
