Obituary of William J Waters

William “Bill” Waters, a devoted father, son, and brother, and a proud inductee of the Suffolk University Athletics Hall of Fame, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA. He was 44 years old. Bill courageously faced a private, nine-month battle with melanoma. At the time of his passing, he was employed as a construction manager at InfraServices in Billerica. His career also included time with Top Tier Construction and  owning and operating STS Construction, where he specialized in residential and commercial construction.

Bill was born in Stoneham and raised in Burlington, MA. A natural athlete, he played both basketball and baseball in high school, ultimately excelling on the baseball field. Under the guidance of his high school coach, Jim Curtin, Bill became a standout pitcher in the Middlesex League, earning all-star honors and demonstrating an early love for the game.

Bill went on to attend Suffolk University, where he was a standout member of the baseball team from 2000 to 2003. Over his four-year collegiate career, he played a pivotal role in leading Suffolk to two Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championships and NCAA Division III National Tournament appearances in 2000 and 2002. As the ace of the pitching staff, Bill etched his name into the program’s record books, ranking among the all-time leaders in several categories: Wins (3rd – 21), ERA (6th – 2.78), Strikeouts (7th – 184), Innings Pitched (7th – 217), Appearances (3rd – 52), and Saves (2nd – 6). In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Bill and his 2000 teammates were inducted into the Suffolk University Athletics Hall of Fame on May 4, 2013. That team’s legacy endures, still holding the record for the most wins in a single season in the program’s 80-year history, with 38 victories.

Bill was known for his competitive spirit, team-first attitude, and charismatic personality. He simply loved the game—the thrill of competition, the camaraderie with teammates and coaches, and the honor of representing his school on the mound. His teammates remained close long after college and rallied around him during his illness, a testament to the lasting bonds he built.

Beyond the baseball field, Bill was a devoted family man and a proud father to his daughters, Sophia and Tessa. While he might have dreamed of raising a future softball or baseball star, he wholeheartedly embraced their own unique interests and talents. He coached their youth basketball teams and was always present—on the sidelines, in the stands, or in the audience—supporting them in every endeavor. Their family vacations to Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Disney World, and beyond created cherished memories that will last a lifetime. He was deeply proud of the young women they are becoming and fought his illness with unwavering determination so he could share in all their future milestones: first dates, graduations, college, and walking them down the aisle one day. 

Bill was also a loving and supportive son to his late mother, Kathy. She was his rock, his role model, his advisor, and his biggest fan. He stood by her side when she bravely faced her own battle with cancer. His bond with his brother and sister was equally profound. The three of them shared an unbreakable connection. They walked with Bill every step of the way through his illness, offering care, comfort, and constant support, just as he would have done for them.

Bill will be remembered not only for his athletic accomplishments, but also for the joy he brought to others. From organizing charity golf tournaments in honor of his daughter Alexa, to his infectious sense of humor and unforgettable fashion on the golf course, Bill lived a life full of purpose and love. Memories of Red Sox games, casino nights, the beloved Waters Christmas parties, and so many other moments will keep his spirit alive in the hearts of those who loved him.

Bill Waters was, above all, a good man—a dedicated father, son, brother, teammate, and friend. Though his time was far too short, his impact was immeasurable. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Bill was the proud father of Sophia Rose Waters, Tessa Kathleen Waters, and the late Alexa Lee Waters. He was the beloved son of Kathleen (Dillon) Waters and the caring brother of Christina MacDonald and her husband Scott of Billerica, and Michael Waters and his wife Caitlin of Quincy. Bill was the uncle of his “little best friend,” Meadow Kathleen MacDonald. He was the former husband of Stephanie (York) Waters of Carver.

Bill was the cherished nephew of Jean and Duane King of Billerica, William Dillon of Salem, NH, Mary and Frank Gentile of North Andover, Ed and Deb O’Hearn of Braintree, and the late Daniel Dillon. He shared a lifelong friendship with his best friend, Michael O’Brien of West Newbury, who stood loyally by Bill’s side throughout his battle  with cancer. 

He is also survived by many loving Dillon, King, Gentile, and O’Hearn cousins, along with countless friends and former teammates who were deeply impacted by his presence.

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of life on Saturday, July 19th from 4-8 pm at the Billerica Country Club located at 51 Baldwin Rd, Billerica, MA 01862. This will be a casual celebration with a small ceremony at 5:00 pm. Bill’s family encourages attendees to wear their favorite baseball jersey in honor of “The Late, Great, 28”.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Bill’s memory to Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA. The compassionate care and peaceful environment provided by Care Dimensions brought comfort to Bill and his family in his final days.