William J. Stefaney, N

William J. Stefaney, 89, of Weymouth passed away at home with his family by his side on Aug. 19, 2017.

Bill was born in Roslindale, son of Katherine (Bittighoffer) (Stefaney) Nickell and Richard Stefaney. After graduating from Jamaica Plain High, he worked at the Arnold Arboretum as a tree surgeon, before continuing his education at Boston University. Bill served first with the U.S. Naval Submarine Reserves and then with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Then, with the assistance of the G.I. Bill, he attended Boston State Teachers College. Bill worked passionately as a teacher first in Stoughton, Dedham and Puerto Rico, before 30 years in the Milton Schools as a teacher and administrator.

He was very active in the United States Power Squadrons where he taught Junior Navigation and was a member of the Navigators Club, and in later year with the Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts. Bills skills extended well beyond the classroom: in his youth he enjoyed working backstage at various theaters in Boston and later ran the Milton Junior High Drama Club, he was an amateur magician, and he always found time to spend with his family most especially his beloved grandchildren as their Grampy. Bill lived a full life and made many fond memories over the years, vacations with family and friends to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, remained closest to his heart.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years Catherine (Driscoll) Stefaney of Weymouth, his loving children Mary Stefaney of Weymouth, Julie Volkert and husband Todd of Calif., Emily DeLeon and husband Jorge of Shrewsbury, and Thomas Stefaney and wife Kendra of Weymouth, and his cherished grandchildren Katelynn, Liam, Connor, Haley and Emmett. Bill is also survived by his godchild Shannon, and many loving nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers John Stefaney and Richard Stefaney, and by his sister Eleanor Stefaney.

Donations in memory of Bill may be made to Hospice of the South Shore for the outstanding care they provided to Bill during his final days at 30 Reservoir Park Dr., Rockland, MA 02370, or to The Friends of the Unborn at P.O. Box 692246, Quincy, MA 02269.