Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — William R. Harrison, Jr., “Bill”, age 74, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away on July 12, 2024, at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington.
Bill was born in Boston, MA, on August 13, 1949; he was the cherished son of the late William Sr. and Barbara (Chambers) Harrison. Bill was raised in a large and loving family in Wilmington, he attended Wilmington Schools, enjoyed playing baseball, made many life-long friends, and was a graduate of Wilmington High School with the Class of 1967.
Bill continued his education in the plumbing field and would go on to become a master plumber. Bill went to work alongside his dad Bill Sr. in their family business Harrison Plumbing and Heating; a business he would continue running following the passing of his father. Bill had an incredible work ethic, he was a perfectionist and took pride in every job that he did. Bill had such a kind heart and he was always willing to go the extra mile to help someone in need no matter the time of day.
Bill married his “high school sweetheart” Theresa “Terri” Ricci on April 24, 1971; the couple were inseparable, they raised a beautiful family and shared many wonderful times together with family and friends throughout the years. Bill was very involved in his children’s lives; he was always there at every school and sporting event that Jessica and Billy were involved in. He coached his son’s little league teams and continued to coach little league for many years after. Billy was also a Wilmington Pop Warner coach for many years; he was always willing to help out the kids in the community.
Billy showered his family with unconditional love and devotion; he would do anything for them. Bill was very proud to build them a beautiful post and beam home with his own hands. Bill put love into every hand hewn beam and peg he carved. This was his pride and joy and one of his greatest legacies. Bill was also meticulous about his yard and took pride in his gardens; he knew everything about every plant and flower in his beds; they were simply beautiful.
As Bill’s family grew and expanded, he welcomed his son-in-law Tom and daughter-in-law Meghan and treated them as his own. His next role as “Grampy” was one he cherished; Bill enjoyed every moment he spent with Tayler, Emerson, Billy IV and Brooke. Bill loved that they all had very different personalities and they liked different things. Bill enjoyed watching them grow and attending many of the events they were involved in; he was so proud of his grandchildren.
Bill will be fondly remembered as a “great guy”, a devoted family man, and a true friend to many. He will forever live in the hearts of those he touched.
Bill was the beloved husband of Theresa A. “Terri” Harrison, devoted father of Jessica Aprile and her husband Thomas of Plaistow, NH, and William R. Harrison III and his wife Meghan of Tewksbury. Loving “Grampy” of Tayler Aprile, Emerson Aprile, William R. Harrison IV, and Brooke Harrison, dear brother of Janet Harrison of West Newbury, Donald Harrison & his wife Susan of Wilmington, Douglas Harrison & his wife Joanne of Newburyport, Debbie Harrison of Providence, RI, Pat Lawrenson & her husband Stephen and Jamie Harrison all of Wilmington, son-in-law of the late Eva and Albert Ricci Sr., brother-in-law of Janet and Chuck DeYoung, Shirley and Winn Nordblom, Albert Ricci Jr., the late Marie Galvin and James Galvin. Bill is further survived by an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Friday, July 19th at 9:30 a.m followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, at 10:30 a.m. Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, July 18th from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may made to the American Diabetes Association, Attn: Service Center, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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