Obituary for William Widugiris Jr.
William “Bill” Widugiris Jr. of Weston, Massachusetts, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away early morning of February 16, 2023.
Bill was born on February 2, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois to Marie (Katutis) and William Widugiris Sr. of Lithuania. He had one sibling, a baby sister.
Bill was a graduate of Calumet High School and the University of Illinois, where he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering. He served his country in the US Army as a drill sergeant in Fort Hood, Texas in the early 1950s before embarking on a successful career in international sales and marketing with Raytheon Corporation, where he worked for 30 years.
Bill was a devoted husband to Irene, whom he met in Beverly Shores, Indiana and married in Chicago on January 5, 1963. Summers in Beverly Shores boating, fishing, water skiing and other adventures on Lake Michigan were an important place for the Widugiris family for many, many years.
In 1966 Bill and Irene moved to Massachusetts where Bill pursued career advancement opportunities with Raytheon. They initially lived in Woburn and then in 1968 bought a home in Weston, where Bill spent the rest of his days.
The home and property in Weston were very important in Bill’s life – he was an enthusiastic gardener, growing all sorts of vegetables, in particular tomatoes, grilling them up and turning them into culinary creations including his famous chili.
Bill and Irene have two children, Dawn (Ausra) and William (Vilius). Bill, known fondly to his children as Dear ol’ Dad (D.O.D.) was strict and stern, always pushing his children to be the best version of themselves, but also their greatest advocate, cheerleader and admirer. He was an involved and supportive father coaching baseball and soccer teams, involved with the Boston Lithuania Folk Dance Group as a chaperone, fund raiser and driver to dance recitals.
Bill enjoyed do-it-yourself projects relishing in the challenge of building and repairing, and was affectionately known as “Dad can fix anything!” by his family.
He was a great dancer and a music enthusiast, setting up home karaoke way before it was a popular pastime – the family has fond memories of singing their hearts out to Merle Haggard, Ronnie Milsap, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash & June Carter, Frank Sinatra, Abba, Paul Simon, among others.
Bill was an avid reader, a very proud American who followed political discourse and debate with great interest.
His family is grateful that before his departure he celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife Irene on January 5, his 92nd birthday on February 2 and enjoyed a loving visit with his family on Valentine’s Day.
Bill’s passing is deeply mourned by his wife Irene and children Dawn and William and many friends and family members. While a private family farewell has been held, plans for a memorial and celebration of Bill’s life will be shared at a later date.
Bill was born on February 2, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois to Marie (Katutis) and William Widugiris Sr. of Lithuania. He had one sibling, a baby sister.
Bill was a graduate of Calumet High School and the University of Illinois, where he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering. He served his country in the US Army as a drill sergeant in Fort Hood, Texas in the early 1950s before embarking on a successful career in international sales and marketing with Raytheon Corporation, where he worked for 30 years.
Bill was a devoted husband to Irene, whom he met in Beverly Shores, Indiana and married in Chicago on January 5, 1963. Summers in Beverly Shores boating, fishing, water skiing and other adventures on Lake Michigan were an important place for the Widugiris family for many, many years.
In 1966 Bill and Irene moved to Massachusetts where Bill pursued career advancement opportunities with Raytheon. They initially lived in Woburn and then in 1968 bought a home in Weston, where Bill spent the rest of his days.
The home and property in Weston were very important in Bill’s life – he was an enthusiastic gardener, growing all sorts of vegetables, in particular tomatoes, grilling them up and turning them into culinary creations including his famous chili.
Bill and Irene have two children, Dawn (Ausra) and William (Vilius). Bill, known fondly to his children as Dear ol’ Dad (D.O.D.) was strict and stern, always pushing his children to be the best version of themselves, but also their greatest advocate, cheerleader and admirer. He was an involved and supportive father coaching baseball and soccer teams, involved with the Boston Lithuania Folk Dance Group as a chaperone, fund raiser and driver to dance recitals.
Bill enjoyed do-it-yourself projects relishing in the challenge of building and repairing, and was affectionately known as “Dad can fix anything!” by his family.
He was a great dancer and a music enthusiast, setting up home karaoke way before it was a popular pastime – the family has fond memories of singing their hearts out to Merle Haggard, Ronnie Milsap, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash & June Carter, Frank Sinatra, Abba, Paul Simon, among others.
Bill was an avid reader, a very proud American who followed political discourse and debate with great interest.
His family is grateful that before his departure he celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife Irene on January 5, his 92nd birthday on February 2 and enjoyed a loving visit with his family on Valentine’s Day.
Bill’s passing is deeply mourned by his wife Irene and children Dawn and William and many friends and family members. While a private family farewell has been held, plans for a memorial and celebration of Bill’s life will be shared at a later date.