Obituary: William (Bill) Anthony Medeiros Jr.

William (Bill) Anthony Medeiros Jr., passed away on May 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, friends, and faith.

Bill was a native of Nantucket and attended Nantucket High School. He was a proud member of the Nantucket Whaler football team. For those who knew Bill for a lifetime or a few minutes, he was sure to tell you about his high school record of five touchdowns in one game in 1957, leading to him holding the Whaler record for 44 years.

After high school, Bill joined the U.S. Army, serving in the 7th Infantry, 1st Calvary Division while serving in Korea. Bill was extremely proud of serving his country and continued doing so by being a member of the American Legion and serving as an Honor Guard. He loved being part of this organization and making his country proud.

After his discharge from the Army, Bill lived in Connecticut for a short time before returning to his roots in Nantucket. Once back on Nantucket, Bill started William A. Medeiros Gardening. Bill was meticulous about his work and established quite a clientele. He maintained his business for many years before turning it over to his eldest son. He loved being on the water and was also a scalloper in the off-season.

Bill was an avid golfer and was a charter member of the Miacomet Golf Club on Nantucket where he was club champion for four years. He was a force to be reckoned with on the golf course. Even when he no longer golfed, he spent countless hours following his favorite golfers and critiquing their game. In addition, his sense of humor was priceless and he was known for his quick wit, jokes, and kind heart.

Even though he was quite happy being on Nantucket, he did love to travel the world and see new places. Living his life to the fullest was what he did. Equally important to Bill was his strong Christian faith where he was a parishioner of Saint Mary of the Isle Catholic Church in Nantucket. He attended mass often and felt strongly about his Catholic beliefs. Bill was also a member of the Salt Marsh Center, where he spent many hours exercising and joking with the ladies.

Simple things made him happy and smile. He loved artificial flowers, watching the goldfinches and deer in his yard, but most importantly he was a devoted father and friend.

Bill was predeceased by his wife Margaret, his parents William and Hilda (Docca) Medeiros, his brother Robert Medeiros, his beloved companion Missy, Martin Foley and many of his close friends who passed before him. Bill is survived by his daughters Lynn Medeiros of Nantucket and Lori Finegan (Derek) of Burlington, MA; his sons William Medeiros (Jocelyn Grefalda) of Nantucket and Burke Medeiros of Hull, MA; his grandchildren Hildee Medeiros, Cody O’Neill and Tayler Finegan; mothers of his children Irene Medeiros and Regina Burke and his best friends, Richard Hardy, Mary Richrod and Elinor Jarrell all of whom will miss him dearly.

The family would like to extend their special thanks to Simone Campbell, Rose Marie Samuels, Mary Graves, and Dr. Pearl who provided compassion, many laughs, and support along the way.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 3, 2024 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Saint Mary of the Isle Church, 3 Federal Street, Nantucket. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 10:00 am at Saint Mary of the Isle Church followed by a military burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Joseph L. Viera Fund, c/o Diane O’Neil, 6 Harvest Drive, Derry, NH 03038. This fund provides funding for Whaler varsity football letterman jackets and other needs.