Orford, N.H. —
William (Bill) Quackenbush was born to Frederick and Grace Quackenbush on Jan. 2, 1921, in Springfield, Mass. He grew up in Springfield and Agawam, Mass. As a teenager, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC’s) working in the woods of western Massachusetts. He then joined the United States Navy prior to the outbreak of World War II, serving on the destroyers USS Mayo and the Harland R. Dixon in the Atlantic Ocean. He survived the sinking of the destroyer escort, USS Fechteler by a German U-Boat in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of North Africa. Bill was happy to share stories of his service in the Navy and kept in contact with some of his shipmates over the years. Bill also wrote a small booklet about his service, so the story would not be lost. Bill’s service was recognized in that he was an “Honor Flight” attendee to Washington, which was a trip he greatly enjoyed.
After many Navy adventures and the ending of World War II. Bill moved, with his parents and siblings Bob and Doris to Orford where they bought a farm along the Connecticut River. Bill tried his hand at farming before becoming a carpenter, which was his lifelong occupation. After retiring from carpentry, Bill bought and restored many antique parlor and cooking stoves. He was quite good at his self-taught hobby.
In addition to the new home in Orford, Bill and Bob met the “Bryer girls” who lived next door, June and Elaine. Bill married June, the love of his life, and shortly after, Bob married Elaine. Bill and June raised their sons Russell and Gary, just up the road from Bob and Elaine and their son Lyle. Bill built the house they lived in by himself including digging the cellar hole by hand. He was known to be a determined person, once he made his mind up about something he did it.
Late in life, Bill had a Jack Russell Terrier named Rosie, who he taught many phrases and commands that she clearly understood. They had a deep mutual affection and she kept him close company for 15 years.
The Town of Orford awarded Bill the “Boston Cane” several years ago, which is an honor given to the oldest living resident of the town.
Bill enjoyed singing and playing the harmonica in the last few years, and often sang songs about loving his wife and family. He will be deeply missed.
Bill Quackenbush is survived by his wife June; daughter Ann Brown from an earlier marriage and her husband Bob; son Russell and wife Ruth, son Gary and wife Debbie; and sisters Marilyn and Doris. He was predeceased by his siblings Thomas, Frederick, Bob, Eleanor, Evelyn, and Walter. Additionally, he is survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
The VA provided outstanding long term medical care and home based services to Bill for which the family is deeply grateful. We’d also like to acknowledge the Grafton County Nursing Home staff for providing excellent, warm and caring services to Bill the last month of his life, and the helpful Granite State Independent Living staff for services provided to Bill for several months.
There will be a graveside service that will be announced at a later date.
Messages of condolence may be expressed with the family through an online guestbook by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.