William “Bill” G. Converse Jr., 90, of Northfield died on January 27 following a period of failing health. Bill was born in Holden, Massachusetts, on January 27, 1925, son of William G. Converse Sr. and Grace (David) Converse.
Bill spent his youth in Massachusetts, graduating from Jefferson grammar school, later attending Holden High School in the ninth grade. After moving to New Hampshire, Bill graduated from the Tilton-Northfield High School in Tilton.
Bill went on to serve his country and joined the Navy. He served as an anti-aircraft gunner on the decorated warship, the USS Cabot during World War II in the South Pacific. The ship received the Presidential Unit Citation.
Bill retired after 35 years from the Arwood Corporation in Northfield. He was a lifetime active member of the Whiteman-Davidson American Legion Post #49 in Northfield, serving twice as Commander. He was also a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and the USS Cabot CVL-28 Association.
He was instrumental in organizing the Tilton 49ers Drum and Bugle Corps and the Post Scholarship Program. Bill served as a volunteer with the Tilton-Northfield Fire Department and Rescue. While with the department, Bill was the first member to experience and use the underwater rescue equipment. He was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Tilton.
Bill was predeceased by his first wife, Jeanne (Buckley) Converse; his daughter, Diane Converse; his brother, Jack; his second wife, Barbara M. (Seren) Converse, who died in 2008; and his grandson, Billy Jordan, who died in 2011. Among family he leaves are granddaughter Christine Frost of Andover and great-grandchildren Jacob, Erin, and Jared Frost of Andover.
Calling hours were held on February 1 at the William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home in Tilton. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on February 2 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Tilton. Burial with military honors was held on February 3 in the family lot in St. Joseph Cemetery in Medway, Massachusetts.
Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Bill’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, 370 7th Avenue Room 320, New York City, New York 10001.