William E Harty

William "Bill" Harty, was born and raised in Spencer, MA, the firstborn son of William and Beatrice (Sourdif) Harty. Sonny, as he was called by his family, was the beloved older brother of John who came 4 years later, and Madeline (Maddy) his "baby" sister who followed a year later. 

He attended a French speaking Catholic elementary school, and graduated from David Prouty High School. Sonny, who was called Bill by his friends, was a good student and particularly shined in History where he earned a Scholastic Achievement Award. Soon after high-school graduation, Bill enlisted in the Air Force and served proudly for 2 years during the Korean War, stationed in Okinawa as an MP. It was while he was on leave that he met Jeannine “Jean” Westphal, who was at Treasure Island in Webster with her family, and the rest is history. They married August 11, 1956.

A couple of years after the birth of their daughter, Jane, they moved from Spencer to Sturbridge, where Bill and Jean would raise their family. After a short time at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Bill found his calling working for the food brokerage company Edwards, Shaughnessey and Toomey as a salesman serving several grocery stores throughout Worcester County and beyond. He truly enjoyed this profession. It was no surprise that later Bill's “retirement” jobs included part time work at Yankee Spirits and Shaw's grocery store. Bill's ready smile, humor, and warm personality endeared him to all. His hobbies and interests throughout the years included candlepin bowling at the Hippodrome in Southbridge, listening to the Red Sox, attending games at Fenway Park with family members, family lake outings, reading, and attending live theater and music events to name a few. Special trips included visiting his sister and brother and their families in California, with Jane and her husband Bob. He also enjoyed spending time at Mohegan Sun (although he never gambled at all) with his wife, daughter Jane and her husband Bob. Bob never forgot to bring his father-in-law his home brewed mint iced tea, his favorite, and was a steady hand when accompanying Bill to his appointments. When Bill could no longer drive, he treasured his Friday trips to Cumby’s for coffee, riding around, talking and then stopping to grocery shop with Bob Moynagh.

Bill was a devout Catholic and an active member of St Anne's Parish in Fiskdale, serving many years as an usher. He also enjoyed attending the annual Catholic Men’s' Conference in Worcester. He embodied the role of a Christian, as a devoted husband and father.

Bill and his wife opened their door and their hearts to many foster children throughout the years. Their small family of three then grew to become a family of six. Dad doted on every single one of his 4 daughters, and there was never a time when he didn't put their needs first. Through good times, or bad, Bill was their rock. He extended that love, and sacrifice to his grandchildren as well, whenever they were in need, and was present for every achievement and celebration, as he had been for their mothers. When asked what his greatest achievement was, he responded "being a good father to his children". He will be deeply missed.

He leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Jean, and his 4 daughters, Jane MacAlpine (Robert), Karen Brown (Chester), Laurie Reynolds (partner Bob Moynagh), and Didi Harty (partner Chris Baton). He also leaves 9 grandchildren: Caitlin MacAlpine(Zinsser), Eric MacAlpine, Meghan MacAlpine (Mizrachi), Tyler and Kyle Brown, Bryan and Dean Reynolds, Samantha and Amanda Larzazs, and four great-grandchildren, Graeson, Ashleigh, Ari and Leo. He also leaves his beloved sister, Maddy (Lyn Hall), and sister-in-law Evelyn Harty. He was predeceased by his brother John.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff of the Short-Term Acute Care at Overlook in Charlton, MA for the excellent and compassionate care they gave to Bill in his last days.
A funeral Mass will be held November 12th at 10 AM at St Anne's Church, Fiskdale. There are no calling hours.  Sansoucy Funeral Home, 40 Marcy Street, Southbridge, MA is entrusted with Bill's funeral arrangements.

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