William “Bill” E. Gonyea

William E. Gonyea Jr. of Burlington, North Carolina. Born January 8, 1945 Died on December 27, 2024 William was the son of William E. Gonyea, deceased and Ernestine Serna Gonyea, living in Pascoag, Rhode Island. Bill is survived by eight siblings: Yvette Gonyea Zannini and her husband Joseph A. Zannini of High Point, North Carolina; Arlene Gonyea Moore of Pascoag, Rhode Island; Karen Gonyea Zekanoski and her husband Mark Zekanoski of Millville, Massachusetts; Jacqueline Gonyea Rambone and late husband Frank Rambone, jr. of Pascoag, Rhode Island: Jeffrey J. Gonyea and his wife Diane Dowd Gonyea of Pascoag, Rhode Island: Denise Gonyea Young and her husband Daniel Young of N. Grosvenerdale, Connecticut: Michelle Gonyea Keegan of Pascoag, Rhode Island; and Joseph J. Gonyea and his wife Lynn Martin Gonyea of Pascoag, Rhode Island. Bill has 21 nieces and nephews and 35 great nieces and nephews 2 great great niece’s and nephew.

Bill grew up in Pascoag, Rhode Island and graduated from the Burrillville High School He was active in local Boy Scout troops and attained the level of Eagle Scout. Bill served as an altar boy at St. Joseph’s Church. After graduating from High School, Bill served in the U.S. Navy from April 1965 aboard the U.S. Naval ship Independence as a marine mechanic. Bill was awarded the Naval Union Commander Ribbon, Veteran Service Medal Award with Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal and the Presidential Memorial Certificate. Bill was honorably discharged on April 19, 1967.

  Bill lived in Palm Beach, Florida, Hatfield, Massachusetts, Loveland, Ohio and Pascoag, Rhode Island where he worked for Wright’s Farm Restaurant. Upon retirement Bill moved to Burlington, North Carolina where he lived with his two cherished schnauzers, Gia and Willie. Bill's passion in life was camping, boating and music. 

A memorial Mass and burial will be held at a later date in Pascoag R.I. Condolences may be sent to Bill’s Mom at 125 Ross Road Pascoag, R.I 02859.