William J. Fay Jr. departed this life on Thursday, August 24, 2023 in the company of his loving wife. Bill was a lifelong educator and devoted to friends and family. Over a professional career spanning 53 years, he Impacted the lives of thousands of children, parents and staff in Massachusetts and Florida school districts. Born in Boston, Bill spent 30 years in the town he loved and always considered home, Wilmington, MA. He also lived in Fremont, NH, Andover, MA, Palm Beach Gardens, FL and more recently Cary, NC. Bill is survived by his ever-dedicated wife, Frances M. DeLisle (Parker), 5 incredible sons, Michael (Ashley), Patrick Parker (Vita), Kevin (Hailey), Jonathan (Jessica), Timothy (Erin), and 10 wonderful grandchildren who were the lights of his life. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, William J. Fay, Sr. and Isabella R. (McElroy) Fay, grandson, Samuel William Fay, brothers, Walter J. Gustus (Rita), and Edward A. Gustus, (Mildred), and Albert Gustus.
Bill was President of his graduating Class of 1958, Wilmington (MA.) High School. After serving in the U. S. Army, he graduated from Salem State University, in 1966. He was President of the Student Association his senior year. In 1966, he launched his education career at Tewksbury Memorial High School. It was during these first few years that he split his time as an educator with the Wilmington Police Department as a patrolman. He then served 15 years as Principal of the North and West Intermediate Schools in Wilmington. After a 5-year hiatus as Principal Officer/Secretary Treasurer of Local 380 Teamsters in Boston, he returned to his roots as Superintendent of Schools, in Wilmington, MA.
Bill relocated to Florida in 1992. Bored in retirement, he went to work for the Palm Beach County School District. Two successful years at Bear lakes Middle School as assistant principal led to his appointment as principal at Banyan Creek Elementary, where he put down roots in the Delray Beach community for 21 of “the happiest years of his professional life, retiring in 2015. He was recognized several times by the community for his leadership and earned county “Principal of the Year” awards several times by the Classroom Teachers Association.
Bill was extremely proud of his Charlestown, (MA), Irish roots. Fiercely loyal to all the Boston sports teams, especially the Red Sox. He was a storyteller who enjoyed a good laugh and spread humor wherever he went, often pointing out “there’s humor everywhere, you just have to look for it.” He was a friend and mentor of many teachers and administrators.
There are currently no plans for a memorial service. The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Gary Sinise Foundation for Veterans.
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Follow Wilmington Apple on Instagram. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 