William E. “Bill” Childs, 90, of Haydenville Road Leeds, passed away peacefully at home on December 20,2022 with his loving wife by his side.
Born in Northampton on July 21,1932, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Rachel (Smith) Childs.
Bill had owned and operated Childs Driveway & Excavating until his retirement. After his retirement he worked for several local construction businesses. Bill found great satisfaction and enjoyment building and selling picnic tables.
He enjoyed golfing and playing on Pitch Leagues with his sons and many friends as well as going fishing with his son in law Steve.
He was a Lifetime member of the Northampton Lodge of Elks BPOE 997.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years; Marlene “Rusty” Childs of Leeds; his daughter Christine A. Miller of Greenfield; his son William (wife Donna) of Greenfield, his son John of Chesterfield; his daughter Jo A Root (husband Steve) of Florida; his son Ronald (wife Cynthia) of Florence; his stepdaughters Laurie Ryan (husband Kevin) of Florence and Shelley Moreau (husband Jim) of Haydenville; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren.
Bill enjoyed a special relationship with his first-born granddaughter Stacey Pinardi and had fond memories at his favorite vacation spot in Maine with his grandchildren Kyle and Kara.
Bill was well known for sitting on his bench waving to cars as they passed by with his beloved Sassy (dog) by his side.
Bill was predeceased by his beloved son Tom Childs, his son-in-law Bob Miller, and daughter-in-law Brenda Childs.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Ahearn Funeral Home, 783 Bridge Road, Northampton from 9am to 11am with a burial to follow in St. Mary of the assumption Cemetery, Haydenville Road, Leeds.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, 627 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or the Take and Eat program at Our Lady of the Hills Parish, 173 Main Street, Haydenville, MA 01039
FACE COVERINGS WOULD BE APPRECIATED.