NORTHBOROUGH —

William Joseph “Bill” Halter passed away in the early morning hours of May 15, 2026, following a brief medical episode. He was 88.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Bill was one of two children of the late William E. and Margaret J. (Brennan) Halter. He graduated from St. John’s University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and proudly served in the historic 69th Infantry Regiment – part of the New York Army National Guard. Continuing his education later in life, he earned his MBA in Marketing from Loyola University Chicago in 1971.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Patricia A. (McKillop) Halter; his three beloved daughters, Mary Murray and her partner Alan St. Lawrence, Nancy Halter and her husband John Baer, and Laura Garber and her husband Paul. He was the proud and loving grandfather of Kaitlyn Murray, Victoria Murray, Meghan Murray, and Emma (Murray) Pereira and her husband Renan, and the cherished great-grandfather of Ava Pereira. He also leaves behind his sister, Margaret Scanlon and her husband John, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Peggy (McKillop) Motherway and 3 of his nephews, Timothy and Brian Scanlon and Timothy Motherway.

Over the years, Bill and Pat made homes in Brooklyn, Chicago, Kennett Square, PA, Sudbury, and finally Northborough in 1995. Bill spent many successful years in the flexible packaging industry as a national sales and marketing manager. In retirement, he enjoyed greeting familiar faces and helping customers while working at Lowe’s Market in Northborough.

Though accomplished professionally, Bill believed his greatest role was that of husband, father, and grandfather. Fiercely protective and endlessly proud of his family, he treasured every moment spent with them. He coached his daughters’ softball and soccer teams and later helped coach his granddaughters’ teams. Driving his girls to countless activities affectionately earned him the title of “Bill’s Taxi”. Bill wouldn’t have it any other way. Bill found great joy and meaning in caring for those he loved. He often smiled while saying he was lucky enough to have “eight women” looking after him every day.

Bill enjoyed many years playing men’s softball in Sudbury with the “Volunteers” and later in the Massachusetts Senior Men’s Softball league as well as serving as the manager and trustee for the Birchwood Condominium Association, in Northborough. Bill also enjoyed extensive traveling with Pat, entertaining friends and family, cooking, reading, and sharing conversation over a glass of wine. He valued the camaraderie of the Northborough Dull Men’s Club and never missed an opportunity to strike up a conversation with someone new — strangers quickly became friends. A gifted storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor, Bill was also known for speaking his mind honestly and standing firmly by his convictions.

All services will be held in Northborough - calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, at Saint Rose of Lima Parish, 244. W. Main Street, followed by burial at Howard Street Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to a charity of one’s own choice.