Obituary of William E. Anderson

illiam E. Anderson, a retired Engineer, passed away after a long illness at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center on Thursday evening, September 12, 2013. He was 83 years old. Bill was born in Cambridge, the son of the late William and Rose Anderson. He grew up in Cambridge and was a graduate of St. Peter’s and St. Mary’s Schools. After High School, he enlisted in the US Navy and served for almost 4 years. He was a Radio operator on the U.S.S. Salem, which was a heavy cruiser and at times the Flagship of the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. He was extremely proud to have been a member of the U.S.S. Salem Crew and kept in touch with his crewmates as a member of the U.S.S. Salem Association. On 14 May, 1995 - 46 years to the day since her original commissioning –the USS Salem was re-commissioned - this time as a member of the Historic Naval Ships Association. Her new mission was to teach people of all generations about our nation's rich history of shipbuilding and naval duty as a historical museum. Since then, Bill has volunteered countless hours and served on the Board of Directors of the ship that he once served upon. He was very proud to have served his Country and be apart and to share the Salem’s history. Bill married his wife Eileen in 1953 and have shared 60 years together as a team, raising 8 children, furthering his education and working as an engineer. Bill had a great focus and worked patiently to achieve his goals. He went to Northeastern University for 10 years nights earning his Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree all while working full time. He had worked as an engineer and project manager for ITEK for 30 years. Some of his more interesting projects involved developing cameras for satellites and spacecraft. Even with a challenging career and a large family, Bill still found time to volunteer for Northeastern University’s Re-Seed program for 20 years. Through the program, Bill was a volunteer science teacher for many public and Catholic Schools in the Greater Boston area. Bill was well aware of the many opportunities his education had given him and hoped to share his passion for science and education with young students. Bill’s proudest accomplishment was that of his family. He was blessed to have shared 60 wonderful and event-filled years with his wife Eileen (Casey) Anderson. He was a proud and supportive father to his 8 children; Sheila Jovanovic of VA, Barbara Westaway of Tewksbury, Robert Anderson of Tewksbury, Scott Anderson of Hampton, NH, Karen Adams of Dover, NH, Jill Casali of Tuscon, AZ, Joan Abban of Burlington and the late William Anderson. He was the brother of Paul Douglas Anderson of Lynnfield, Richard Anderson of North Reading and the late Rosemarie Davi. Bill was also survived by 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday 3-5 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Bill’s name may be made to USS Salem Association, 21605 Queen Elizabeth Court, Leesburg, FL 34748.