Obituary of William Francis Payne

William Francis Payne of Woburn, formerly of Wakefield, Stoneham, & Burlington, Jan. 16. Father of Cheryl Ann Vito of Melrose, Scott of Woburn, & Michael of Burlington. Stepfather of Robert Winegar of Methuen and late Susan Winegar. Nephew of Sister Doris Payne of CA. Brother of John “Jay” Dingle of IN, former USMC. Longtime companion of Lenore Thompson of Woburn. Also survived by 2 grandchildren. A retired Patrolman for the Stoneham Police Department passed away on Monday night, January 16, 2017. He was 77 years old. Bill was born in Woburn. He grew up in Woburn and Wakefield. At Wakefield High School he excelled in Baseball and Hockey. He continued his love for those sports over the years. He coached both hockey and baseball at the youth level and at Wakefield High School for many years. He shared his love of sports with his sons and supported them as they played hockey and baseball. Bill enlisted in the US Marines at the age of 17 and proudly served his country during the Vietnam and Cold War era. He continued his support of the armed forces through his involvement in the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations in Stoneham. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Stoneham. Bill was a member of the Stoneham Police Department for 25 years. He was a Patrolman and was a member of the NEMLEC (The Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council) which is a consortium of police departments in Middlesex and Essex Counties and supports local departments during times of emergencies and special events. He received numerous commendations over his career. Bill lived the past 22 years in Woburn. He had previously lived in Stoneham and Burlington. He loved to travel, but only by car. Over the years, he has seen much of the United States by automobile with Niagara Falls being one his favorite destinations; a place he frequented with his children as they grew up. He loved vacationing on Cape Cod with family and friends, where he would often be found at the Irish Village, enjoying the music of his cousin, Norman Payne of Galway. He enjoyed cookouts, telling jokes and stories from his time as a Marine, and as a Patrolman on the police force. His love for his children was undeniable. He loved being in the company of friends and acquaintances alike. One of his biggest joys in life was with his pup, Bella (a boxer), he'd spend hours playing tug-of-war and tossing her a tennis ball. A visitation will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Friday, Jan. 20 from 6-8 p.m. A graveside service will be held at the Lindenwood Cemetery, Montvale Ave, Stoneham at 11 a.m. on Saturday Jan. 21.