William M. Lewis

FLAG

DATELINE: Boxford, MA

William Michael Lewis, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 2, 2018 after a life filled with family, friends, and love.

Bill was born on July 4, 1930 in Providence, Rhode Island, the only child of Anna (Solomon) Lewis and Israel Budner Lewis. He attended Peekskill Military Academy in New York where he was a club officer, the quarterback of the football team, and played varsity lacrosse, soccer, and basketball. He then attended Rutgers University before being drafted into the Army in 1950.

While serving a tour of duty in Japan and Korea during the Korean War, he earned three medals including the United National Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with the Bronze Star, and the National Defense Service Medal.

When he returned home from the Army, he took a fateful trip to the beach in Narragansett where he met the love of his life, Lois. They married in 1955 and moved to Cranston, Rhode Island to start their lives together.

Together, Bill and Lois had three children: Debra, Michael and Steven. Bill was the third generation owner of the family business, M. Solomon Casket Company, where he worked for nearly 46 years before handing the reins of the business over to his sons.  After 40 years in Cranston, he and his wife designed and built their dream home in Warwick, Rhode Island. Then in 1998, they retired and spent winters at their home in Naples, Florida. But each summer, he and Lois returned to Bonniecrest in Newport, Rhode Island to spend time with family and celebrate his birthday with fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Bill and Lois were inseparable in their 60 years of marriage: traveling the world, playing tennis, bridge, golf, sailing, and attending the theater and ballet. Bill was an avid stamp collector and enjoyed playing improvised music on the piano. He loved watching football and kept up with everything in politics so he was always up for a debate. Bill was also very active in his community, serving on various committees and boards.

When Lois passed away two years ago, Bill never truly recovered from the loss. She was the center of his world and some would say he died of a broken heart. He was a deeply caring man who always put his family first. Bill will be remembered for his passion for living and his generosity to others.

He is survived by his children Debra Lewis Hogan and her husband, Lawrence, of Boxford, MA, Michael Lewis and his wife, Brenda, of East Greenwich, RI, and Steven Lewis and his wife, Kathryn, of East Greenwich, RI; his five grandchildren, Cory, Rachel, John, Elana, Cara and her husband, Darren; and his sister-in-law Marcia Halpern and her husband, Robert.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. in Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston, RI. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Care Dimensions (Hospice), 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923 or your favorite charity.  Friends are invited to visit with the family at 5 Rosewood Court, East Greenwich on Monday 1-3 & 5-8 p.m.

37 Comments

  1. Brian Falvey
    Mar 3, 2018

    Sending our sincere condolences to the Lewis famly. May your father’s memory be for a blessing.

    The staff of Brezniak-Rodman Funeral Directors

  2. Pat and Julie Riccardi
    Mar 3, 2018

    May all your wonderful memories of your Dad comfort you at this difficult time. I know he always enjoyed a good burger poolside. All our love…

  3. Bob and Marta Niconchuk
    Mar 3, 2018

    We send our sincere condolences to you Debra and all your family. Bill was a wonderful, such a gentleman. May God comfort your hearts.

  4. Peter Morin
    Mar 3, 2018

    Saddened at the passing of your father, sending our deepest condolences to Michael, Steven and the entire Lewis Family on behalf of the New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association, officers, directors, and members.
    Peter Morin, Executive Director

  5. Donna Arthur
    Mar 4, 2018

    Dear Steve, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
    Sincerely,
    Folsom Funeral Home
    Bob Folsom, Brian Folsom & Donna Arthur

  6. Meri Mastro
    Mar 4, 2018

    We are saddened at this loss and send our sincere sympathy to you and your family, Debra. And we are grateful for the time spent in your Dad’s company. What an interesting guy . . . such fun to be around. We will miss him very much.
    Meri and Scott Yianacopolus

  7. Jay and Melissa Novack
    Mar 4, 2018

    Our deepest condolences to the entire family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May his memories leave a legacy of happiness and fond reflection.

  8. Olivia Fiore & Scot Hamburger
    Mar 4, 2018

    Your Dad had a very full life and enjoyed so many of the opportunities presented to him. The rounds of golf together with Bill were a blast. Your memories of Bill and Lois are a blessing to be cherished and are a big part of what makes your family your whole family. –Love, Olivia and Scot

  9. LYNNE CARDILLO
    Mar 4, 2018

    Dear Steven & Michael, My deepest condolences to you and your family.

  10. Genaro & Valerie Paen
    Mar 4, 2018

    So very sorry for your great loss of your dad.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  11. The Mancini Family
    Mar 4, 2018

    To the Lewis Family, We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. You are in our thoughts. The love for your father will get you thru period of mourning. Mr&Mrs. Raymond Mancini & Family

  12. Amy Torf Feinberg
    Mar 5, 2018

    Sending sincere condolences from myself and the whole Torf family. May his memory be a comfort to you all.

  13. Susan and Rich Garnick
    Mar 5, 2018

    Dear Debra,

    We are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. We always enjoyed seeing Bill in the neighborhood. He was extremely kind, interesting and engaging. Our hearts go out to you and your family.

    Susan and Rich Garnick

  14. Joseph Kiley
    Mar 5, 2018

    Sincere condolences to the Lewis Family from the Maine Funeral Directors Association and all your funeral director friends in Maine. Never an easy time. Thoughts and prayers.

  15. Teresa Spivey
    Mar 5, 2018

    My thoughts and prayers are with the Lewis and Hogan family. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were a very instrumental part of my life when I was sick with cancer 5 years ago. I am extremely grateful to have known both of them and work for them, watching over their home in Naples. They are missed but now together. Peace and blessings to the family. Teresa

  16. George & Susan Mykulowycz
    Mar 5, 2018

    So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Words can’t quite convey the feelings of loss… Keep his smile close to your heart.
    Love – Susan & George

  17. Leanne and Howard Schneider
    Mar 5, 2018

    Our deepest condolences for your loss. What an incredible life and legacy he leaves behind for your entire family. We are sure the memories of your dad will sustain you through this difficult time.

  18. Jean whitney
    Mar 5, 2018

    So sorry to hear of the passing of your father, Debra. Our sincerest condolences to you, Larry and your family. Best ~ Jean & Charlie Whitney

  19. George and Elisabeth Clark
    Mar 5, 2018

    To the Lewis family, Bill will be missed at Bonniecrest by his many friends and neighbors. Very sorry for your loss and extend our deepest sympathy to you all.

  20. Beverly Goldberg
    Mar 5, 2018

    My deep condolences to you all at this sad time.
    Bill was a great guy
    Beverly Goldberg

  21. Joseph Rubino
    Mar 5, 2018

    To the Lewis Family, my sincere sympathy and prayers on the loss of your Dad and Grandfather.

  22. Kenneth Machado
    Mar 5, 2018

    Steven, I wish to express my sympathy on the passing of your father to you and your family.

  23. Joseph D. Federico
    Mar 6, 2018

    Michael, Steven and the entire Lewis family
    I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  24. Paula & Stephen
    Mar 6, 2018

    So sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing, Debra. We are thinking of you, and all your family. Our deepest sympathy .
    Paula and Stephen

  25. Michael & Rona Balenson
    Mar 6, 2018

    It was our privilege to know Bill & Lois in Kensington CC here in Naples. It was always great fun when we were together for Bill & I would “debate” current world affairs and all the news in Naples.
    We spent lots of time playing golf, going to dinner/lunch and of course the 4 PM cocktail.
    I will miss them both, but they will never be forgotten for they added another dimension to my life and we hope we did to there’s.

    Michael

  26. Paula Clinard
    Mar 6, 2018

    So sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing, Debra. Thinking of you and all of your family. Our deepest sympathy.
    Paula and Stephen Clinard

  27. Don and Sandy De Ciccio
    Mar 6, 2018

    We’re so sorry to hear about Bill. We had many good times in Naples with your Mom and Dad, and,yes, their devotion to each other was extraordinary. We played golf, tennis, and pitch with them over the years, and they were excellent at all three. We think of them often, and we miss their presence. Through them we got to meet all of you, who will carry on their values through your lifetimes. They were so proud of all of you. Rest In Peace, Bill.

  28. STEVE & LISA SHAPIRO
    Mar 6, 2018

    Bill was a gem. We feel privileged to having know him for the last 20 years of his life.

    At Bonniecrest, Bill was the unofficial mayor of the complex.
    His deep understanding of the history and by-laws of Bonniecrest, coupled with his friendliness gave Bill the ability to chat with any one….and to frequently take center-stage at the Annual Association Meeting.

    Bill and Lois were role-models for a happy marriage. We will miss both of them for many years to come.

  29. Megan Mooney
    Mar 6, 2018

    Steven and family,

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

    The Staff at Torf Funeral Service

  30. Marshall Gratt
    Mar 6, 2018

    Sorry to hear of your loss. Reading about your dad, he had a long, fulfilling & prosperous journey.
    Marshall Gratt

  31. Sid & Gayle Garland
    Mar 6, 2018

    We will miss you Bill! We have many wonderful memories of
    time spent with Bill & Lois.
    The Lewises will always be synonimous with the many great
    winters we have spent in Naples.
    Rest In Peace, dear friend.
    Sid & Gayle Garland

  32. Bob (Chip} Schofield
    Mar 6, 2018

    We have just learned of you father’s passing. Pat and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Chip and Pat Schofield

  33. Christina Wascher, Cordelia, Anna
    Mar 6, 2018

    Bill and Lois were such a special couple. Even though we were friends it really was family for more than 30 years. I will always remember and be thankful for their love for my family too. 4th July will never be the same again without it also being a birthday celebration for Bill. His dedication to Bonniecrest for so many years was incredible and always looking out for the well-being of the entire community. Bill and Lois are missed by so many. We send our sad condolences to the entire family.

  34. Dan Hanlon, Jr.
    Mar 7, 2018

    My families deepest sympathy’s to you Steven and the rest of your family. Your help when my father passed was very much appreciated. May your Dad rest in peace.

  35. Audrey & Alan Miller
    Mar 7, 2018

    Audrey and I will always remember Bill as a good friend and a person who always made each day a better one for every one who new him.
    He will now catch up with Lois and be by her side.
    That’s not a bad way to leave all of us.

  36. Allen and Lois Cicchitelli
    Mar 8, 2018

    Michael and the Lewis family please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your Father. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your great memories fill your void at this difficult time.

  37. Juanita &Martin. Doctors
    Mar 8, 2018

    Martin & I send our deepest sorry on the passing of your Father. We spent so many wonderful times with them. They are in our hearts for ever.
    God bless you and family.Juanita Doctors.

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