William "Will" "Plugo" J. Pugliese

William Pugliese, known by his friends as Will, Billy, and Plugo, peacefully passed away on New Year’s Day 2024, in the company of his friends. Born in Northampton, MA on May 31, 1951, to the late Joseph and Dora (Chiongoli) Pugliese. He grew up in Northampton and graduated from the former Saint Michael’s High School in Northampton, MA in 1969. He then went on to attend Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1973. Will wore an assortment of hats in his professional life. Following his graduation from college, he returned to Northampton and was employed by Don Gleason’s Camping Supply. He later followed his passion and worked as a social worker for Community Enterprises, Inc. He really found his niche when he became General Manager of State Street Fruit Store and Cooper’s Corner. As General Manager, he was instrumental in starting many of Northampton’s youth on their life journey by linking them to after school jobs at either, or sometimes both of the two local grocery establishments. He loved bantering with and working alongside the hundreds of employees that he oversaw in his many years while working for the Cooper family. Will enjoyed browsing through local museums and could spend a long-time admiring century old antique sculptures. He perfected his own craft by taking classes from master artists at the Hill Institute and took pride in the many paintings he created. Will loved to cook and was at home in his own, or anyone else’s kitchen. Given time and the proper ingredients, he could dice, chop, grate, and serve up a pasta meal that would equal any found in Boston’s North End! As a student, he crossed the Atlantic to visit the homes of his ancestors in Italy. He later made two trips to Ireland, about which he would re-live in exacting detail to anyone within earshot, step by step. Will traveled with friends to many cities around the U.S to experience a championship horse race, attend Red Sox games (even though he was a Yankee fan himself), or take in a marquee boxing match. Will looked forward to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day parade each year with the anticipation of a kid at Christmas. He would spend all night preparing five dozen of his famous chocolate chip cookies that would be enjoyed by friends and family as the parade marched by. He also enjoyed hosting an annual Fourth of July celebration at his home in Greenfield. His beautiful backyard was a prime spot to share food, play games, listen to patriotic songs, and watch the fireworks in the company of close friends. Will was known to many and will be remembered warmly by all who were fortunate to have crossed his path. Dressed in his signature Hawaiian shirt and friendly smile, he always offered a helpful hand, whether to a good friend or a customer walking into Cooper’s for the first time. Will has left a wealth of memories that will be forever cherished by those to whom he gave a lifetime of his love, generosity, and care, especially the parents, children, and grandchildren of the O’Riordan, Shaughnessy, and Carey families. A Graveside Service will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Pioneer Valley Hospice, 329 Conway Street, Greenfield MA 01301.