Leominster, MA – William R. Ethier, 83, died peacefully Saturday (Aug. 7) afternoon, at his residence, with his family at his side.

He was born in Fitchburg on April 25, 1938, son of the late Raymond and Catherine (Murphy) Ethier and was a graduate of St. Bernards High School, where he played football and was inducted in its Sports Hall of Fame later in life. Bill grew up in Fitchburg and had lived in Delaware, Old Orchard Beach, ME, and Yarmouthport before living in Leominster.

Bill was a car salesman in the Fitchburg area for most of his life. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. Bill enjoyed golf and had the distinction of shooting a hole in one. A sports fan, he was an avid fan of the New York Yankees. He and his wife owned standardbred harness horses. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family.

He leaves his wife of 28 years, Barbara J. (Ball) Ethier; three children, William M. Ethier of Florida, Kelley A. Ethier of Florida and James S. Ethier of Salem, MA; a granddaughter, Emily G. Larrabee; two stepsons, Davin Fors of Hubbardston and Kevan Fors of Maine; two sisters, Nancy Sheppard of Fitchburg and Joane McGuirk of Fitchburg and several nieces and nephews. A grandson, Tom Fors, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to the Tom Fors Memorial Fund, at the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts. Supporting EMS/First Responders throughout New England. To donate on line, go to https://donate.cfncm.org/donate?fn=tom-fors-memorial-fund. Or mail a check to the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, 649 John Fitch Hwy, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Attn: Tom Fors Memorial Fund

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, Winchendon, MA is directing arrangements.