William Joseph Baird, 81, of New Smyrna Beach, passed away Thursday, September 30, 2010. William was born on June 9, 1929 in Somerville, Massachusetts to William J. Baird, a Police Officer and Lillian C. Ahearn. He graduated from Somerville High School. After graduation he joined the Coast Guard where he served for three years. William traveled to the North Pole on an ice breaker Eastwind with Admiral Byrd’s expedition to establish a base at Thule, Greenland. After his discharge, he married Janice (Sterner) Baird, his wife of 59 years. They adopted three children; son, Scott of Edgewater; daughter, Doctor Melissa Baird of Springfield Oregon; son, Steven Baird of Charleston, Maine. William was a maintenance supervisor for Penn Central later known as NY Central Railroad. William became the Director of Fleet Maintenance for Purity Supreme Supermarkets. He moved his family to Chemsford, Massachusetts and was a former member of Chemsford Elks, member of Chelmsford Art Society, President of Chelmsford Choral Society, Founder and member of Merrimack Valley Chorale and Society of Fleet Maintenance Engineers. William had a wonder sense of humor, loved to dance and take part in theatrical skits. He also enjoyed camping, golf, and chocolate ice cream and was an avid Yankee fan. In later years he worked part time as a bus driver for Scared Heart School, known as “Mr. Bill” to the children. Preceeded in death by his sister, Alice Mallard of Somerville, Mass. He will be sorely missed by son in law, William Miller of Springfield Oregon, sister, Mary Carroll of Cummaquid, Mass., sister, Marjorie Lunday of Lexington, Mass., brother in law, Francis Mallard of Somerville, Mass., sister in law, Denise Sterner, brother in law, Herbert Carroll of Cummaquid, Mass., and Many loving Nieces, Nephews and Friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 11:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Smyrna Beach.
We're sorry to hear of Uncle Bill's passing. I remember Uncle Bill and my Dad always teasing each other and having fun together. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Chris and family.
Our thoughts and prayers to Aunt Janny, Scott, Steve and Melissa and families.