William Joseph "Bill" May's Obituary
William Joseph “Bill” May, age 92, of Methuen passed away peacefully on March 30, 2021 after a short period of residence at Prescott House in North Andover, MA.
Bill was born in Bridgeport, CT, on March 15, 1929, the son of the late William A. and Susan (Horvach) May. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marianne (Trzcinski), with whom he shared sixty-two years of marriage. Together they raised three children. He missed Marianne greatly during the last three years of his life and it is solace for the family that they are now joined together eternally.
Bill was educated in Bridgeport, CT and moved to Methuen, MA in 1957 for his job as a technical graphic artist with AVCO Systems/Textron. Bill was a talented and versatile artist. Mostly self-taught, he mastered many mediums, including oils, acrylics. watercolors and airbrush illustration, to name a few. Bill's uncredited work often appeared in regional newspapers, including the Boston Globe. He worked on many confidential assignments, including space program proposals and presentations.
His love of teaching lead him to a career change as a graphic arts instructor with the opening of the Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical High School. He retired from the school. Bill was active in the community and when his children were young he was very involved with the Knights of Columbus as well as the Lawrence YMCA, helping to maintain Camp Lawrence in NH. He enjoyed building model aircraft, golfing, photography, boating and travel with his family.
Bill was meticulous and detail oriented, whether it was with his artwork or taking care of his lawn. He was well known and very visible in his neighborhood, riding his sit down lawnmower and guiding his snowblower well into his 80s. When he was done working on his own property, Bill regularly offered his assistance to his neighbors and friends.
Whatever the task was, Bill wanted to complete it himself, without assistance. He took great pride in being both active and independent. When that was no longer possible, during the last years of his life, many of Bill's friends and neighbors regularly provided their unsolicited company and assistance, for which his family is most grateful.
Bill will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his son, John W. May and his husband, Christopher Sullivan of NY, NY; his daughters, Jamie May Hart and her husband, Edward Hart of Haverhill and Cynthia May of Lawrence. He also leaves many nieces and nephews who will also miss him greatly.
At the request of the family, all services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the American Cancer Society, c/o Memorial Giving Program, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. For the online guestbook, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the May Family.
What’s your fondest memory of William Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from William Joseph?
Share a story where William Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did William Joseph make you smile?