William F. “Bill” McElroy, 60, of Wilson Street died Thursday, April 29 while holding his son’s hand in his home after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 40 years, Donna M. (Cote) McElroy, his son Kenneth W. McElroy and his wife Jennifer of Westfield, his treasured granddaughters, Evie and Aniela, his sister Lynnette Lanciault of Worcester, and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces. He was predeceased by his brother Francis McElroy Jr (Rick).

Bill was born on December 5, 1960 in Worcester, son of the late Nancy (Butler) Gauvin and Kenneth Gauvin. His incredible work ethic made him a dedicated and valued excavator operator for P.W. Brown for over 40 years. His sense of fun and adventure led him to enjoy deep sea fishing, camping with friends, dirt biking, and being a “fair weather” motorcyclist. He loved his vegetable garden, took great pride in it, and enjoyed sharing it with his granddaughters.

Bill never met a stranger. His booming, grumbly voice was quick to start a conversation with a laugh and a grin. His smile was only outshone by his long locks and bushy beard. He was a guy you wanted to share a beer with, and then another one. He is somewhere else now, racking up a game of pool with Rick and saving the rest of us a cold one.

Calling hours with Covid 19 guidelines (masks and social distancing) will be held on Monday, May 3 from 5:00-7:00 PM in J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer. Funeral service and burial in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton are private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Second Chance Animal Services, P.O. Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515