William J. Matchett, Jr.

William “Duke” “Bill” J. Matchett, Jr., 68, of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2021. Son of the late William J. and Loretta (Work) Matchett, he was born in Springfield on January 19, 1953. “Duke/Bill” was a student at the Acre Brook Academy High School. He spent almost 50 years working for various automotive parts companies – TRICO, TRW Auto Parts and ITM motor parts. His remaining 25 years were spent working the New England area for Bosch Rexroth, a snow/ice hydraulics control company. Bill proudly served his and neighboring communities as Deputy Police Chief and a 2-term Selectman for the Town of Wales and then later as Police Chief in Holland. Bill was a Master Mason and a Shriner. He enjoyed boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH and presenting in car shows.

Bill is survived by his wife of 9 years, Colleen (Kusek) and her daughter, Jessica Brown (Jesse) of Williamsburg, VA, and his only son, William J. Matchett, III (Corinne) of Wales, MA. Bill also leaves his sister, Betty Lee of Chicopee, as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews and 5 beloved grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Robert Lee of Chicopee.

A Funeral Service celebrating Bill’s life will be held on Thursday, June 10, at 9:30am at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Springfield with committal services following at Wales Cemetery #4 in Wales. Calling Hours for Bill will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 9, from 4-7pm.

To livestream Bill's funeral service, please visit this highlighted link.

http://client.tribucast.com/tcid/8138143530

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to either the Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA, 01104 or to the American Cancer Society, at www.cancer.org.

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