William E. Barnes, Jr., also known as Bill or Billy, of Allenstown, passed away peacefully on Monday January 22nd, 2024, at the age of 64.
A longtime resident of Nashua NH, Bill was born in Providence RI on October 31st, 1959 to the late Martha and William Barnes, Sr. As the third oldest of five siblings, Bill spent his childhood in his beloved hometown of Marion, MA where he developed his love of playing hockey and spending time sailing or boating on the ocean, especially as captain of his beloved “unsinkable” Boston Whaler. Bill continued to pursue both passions in his teenage years, ultimately becoming the harbor master in Marion, while also playing hockey at Old Rochester High School before attending Providence College where he not only played on the men’s team, but also served as a coach of the Woman’s Hockey team.
Bill was a devoted father and loving grandfather who cherished spending time with his family, including his two children Billy and Kelley, their mother Deborah whom he was married to for 32 years, and his grandson Michael who affectionately referred to him as “Papa.” Bill’s laughter was infectious, and, although he was an otherwise quiet and conservative man, his warm presence, genuine care, and sincere kindness for others immediately comforted all those that he met…even if you weren’t a fan of his beloved Hartford Whalers. Regardless of anything going on in his life, Bill thrived most helping those that he loved navigate through the most difficult and challenging situations with the courage, perseverance and discipline instilled in him from his father that he loved so dearly. As a father of two and grandfather to one, Bill was a master of “good cop bad cop,” identifying “red flags” and providing the “tough love” that his children and their closest friends attribute to their successes in life. Whether it was leading his family through challenging situations, traveling the country for his children’s sports tournaments and events, or teaching his children how to properly complete house projects and landscaping, Bill was a coach by nature and always put his family and others ahead of himself.
When Bill wasn’t coaching his family, he was a foodie and history buff with a penchant for great storytelling, which, if you know Bill, was often about his love of great food if it wasn’t about family, sports, or history. He also loved reading books, especially while being near the ocean, although he’d always have a tee-shirt and hat with his legs covered by a towel as he’d “get burned sitting next to a light bulb.” Bill always found peace and solace in the ocean’s presence. He also found peace and solace with his meticulous landscaping that he often described as “putzing around,” even though the beautiful results always indicated the opposite. Bill’s attention to detail was remarkable, and it was a characteristic that served him and his family well throughout his life.
Beyond his home, Bill was a vibrant and talented Salesman and marketing expert that excelled at building trusting relationships with others. Bill was able to combine his love for sports with his talents beginning his career with the Boston/New Orleans Breakers Football Club in the USFL followed by a tenure with the New Jersey Devils Hockey Club in the NHL. Following his time in the sports industry, Bill ascended to various Regional, Director, and VP of Sales roles where his kindness and spirit as a consummate salesman earned him the affectionate nickname "the great one."
Bill is survived by his loved ones, including his daughter Kelley Shook and her husband Dan Shook of Litchfield, NH, along with his grandson Michael Shook, whom Bill loved deeply and took great pride in witnessing him continue the Barnes family tradition in hockey. He is also survived by his son William Barnes III and his fiancé Samantha Edwards of Salem, NH, and the mother of both his children, Deborah Barnes of Alton Bay, NH. In addition, Bill is survived by his brother Michael Barnes and his wife Cindy of Bristol, CT, his sister Ellen Barnes O'Hare and her husband John O'Hare of Wakefield, RI, his sister Kathleen Barnes Powers and Ed Powers of Stowe, MA, his sister Elizabeth Barnes Casasnovas of West Hartford, CT, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He now joins his late parents, Martha (Hunt) Barnes and William Barnes, Sr., and their close family friends Father Genest and Sarah, in eternal rest in heaven above.
Bill's legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew him and his dedication to his family will be cherished forever. Bill will be remembered by his contagious and heartfelt laugh and his deep love for his family. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
The family wishes to hold a private service at this time, however, a public Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a forthcoming date to honor the remarkable and kindhearted man that he was. The family expresses their sincere gratitude for the sympathies and memories shared by friends and extends an invitation to continue Bill’s legacy by embodying the virtues he lived by.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Bill's memory to Meals on Wheels America as Bill regularly volunteered for the organization for many years.
