William J. Similewich, a Veteran of the United States Army during World War II and the recipient of a Purple Heart, passed away at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington on July 14, 2010. He was 87 years old.

Bill was born in Boston. He was the son of the late William & Annie Similewich. Bill was raised and educated in the West End of Boston and was a graduate of St. Joseph's grammar school and English High School. Bill worked at Sears Roebuck on Brookline Avenue in Boston for 19 years. He then went on to work at Polaroid in Waltham as a Chemical Processor for over 18 years. Bill had a love of the ocean and the beach. He had a summer home in Gloucester which he took great pride in. He was very handy and enjoyed working around his home whether it was in his garden or around the house. Bill's biggest enjoyment in his life was that of his family. He was a generous uncle to his many nieces, nephews and their families. Bill will be lovingly remembered as a special uncle who played an important role in his families lives.

Bill was the beloved son of late William & Annie (Grigis) Smielewicz. He was the loving brother of Ann Balboni of S. Boston and the late Mary Rogalski and Helen Curran. Bill was the devoted uncle of his niece Virginia Rogalski of Burlington who loving cared for her Uncle Bill in her home. Loving uncle of Constance O'Shea of Lexington, Louise Curran, Paul Curran both of Winchester, Joseph Curran of Tewksbury, Kathleen Clark of England and the late Charles Balboni and Richard Rogalski. Also survived by many great and great great nieces and nephews. A visiting hour will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Friday, July 16 from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 11 a.m. Interment in Westview Cemetery, Lexington.