NORTHBOROUGH

William N. Morrill

The Life and Times of Beloved Brother Bill: (William Nathan Morrill of 47 Winter Street, Northborough, MA) as shared by his family.

Bill passed away on October 3, 2026, at home.

Affectionately known as the “mayor of Winter Street, Bill was a lifelong resident having grown up the oldest son of William A. and Margaret (Elliott) Morrill of 23 Winter Street. After graduating from Algonquin Regional High School in 1963, Bill ventured off to Northeastern University to pursue a degree in Engineering Management, and he raised the bar with his BS degree. While in college, Bill became dedicated to the game of Bridge, earning Master’s points and eventually managing the Cavandish Bridge Club of Brookline.

Adhering to the theory that “life is but a span.. so enjoy every inch” Bill was an avid golfer, especially enjoying victories in the Wyman and Gordan Golf League. He enjoyed skiing, sailing, and entertaining, especially on someone else’s boat or ski lodge. Bill’s post college years included traveling the highways and byways, picking up odd jobs such as waiting tables in Annapolis or captaining without license a luxury sailboat out of Marblehead. Bill’s many trips in the 1980s to Lake Tahoe that occasionally included golfing with the now president Donald Trump. There was always a story to be told throughout his adventures, and Bill had a knack for telling them.

In 1992 Bill took over his father’s sheet metal business William Morrill and Associates of Worcester, which he continued to manage until closing due to Covid in 2020. His business card read “president” though his employee base was at best limited to Rick for most years.

Bill loved his animals especially his rescued cat “Lucky to Be Alive”. Neighborhood dogs knew exactly where to get a mid-day treat at his back door. Bill was generous with his time, snow blowing the Winter Street neighborhood driveways or just chatting with anyone who would listen. A trip to the grocery store could expand into new friendships and some banter. Bill loved Jeopardy, his nightly 7:30 PM entertainment, as he answered many of the questions before the contestants.

Bill leaves behind his beloved wife Ruth, with whom he shared many good times. And whose devotion helped him navigate through his declining health. He also leaves his beloved extended family including brother Stephen and his wife Maureen of Stuart, FL; brother Michael and his wife Bridgette of Tequesta, FL; his nephew Matthew and wife Emily, and grandniece Cora of Charlottsville, VA; and nephew Christopher of Lynn, MA.

All who knew Bill will remember his competitive spirit; his pension for fun and frolic and his larger-than-life personality. Winter Street will never be the same without him.

Friends, neighbors, and family are invited to calling hours which will be held on Monday, October 12, between 5-7pm at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. Bill’s funeral will be held in the funeral home at 11am on Tuesday, October 13. Interment will follow in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Stroke Foundation: 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231, or VNA Care Hospice: Fund Development Office, 67 Millbrook Street, 500 North, Worcester, MA 01606. To leave a word of comfort or to share a condolence online, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.