Obituary of William Raniere

William Raniere, a Veteran of World War II passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday evening, July 17, 2013. He was 87 years old. Willy was born in Boston. He was the son of the late Peter and Margherita Raniere. He was raised and educated in the North End of Boston moving to the West End at the age of 18. Willy worked at Schrafts Chocolate Co. in Charlestown before serving his first tour of duty with the United States Navy during World War II. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal and the American Theatre Medal. After the Navy Willy opened up his own grocery store in the West End of Boston but with all the competition with the large supermarket’s he eventually closed his store and enlisted in the United States Army. After the Army he worked at a distillery called “Old Mr. Boston” and then went to work at as a Clerk at the South Boston Postal Annex retiring after 28 years. Willy was a handy man. He went to night school to learn the electrical trade and always had a workshop at his home. He also enjoyed building model ships. Willy loved his home and his family. He had a very close relationship with his sisters and played a very important role in his niece Nadine’s life while she was growing up. He lived with his two sisters Elizabeth and Rose along with Nadine. They lived in Dorchester for many years and then Woburn until moving to Burlington a number of years ago. Willy was a homebody but had taken a number of trips with his sisters and Nadine’s family in recent years visiting Disney in Florida as well as taking a few cruises. Willy was the beloved brother of Rose Boisvert of Burlington, Raymond Fabian & his wife Maureen of Pelham, NH and the late Elizabeth Raniere and Phyllis Oschman. He was the loving uncle of Nadine & Robert Thys of Burlington, Victor Arata of PA, Margie Soden of VA and Robert Boisvert of Brockton. Great uncle of Peter Thys, Douglas Soden, Kristen Maas, Elizabeth Lombardi, Matthew Arata & Kimberly Frey. A visitation will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Monday, July 22 from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 11 AM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials in Willy’s name may be made to Minuteman Senior Services, 26 Crosby Drive, Bedford, MA 01730 or Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts Chapter, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.