William “Bill” J. McPhee, age 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Burlington.  He was the beloved husband of Marion (Davidson) McPhee, with whom he had shared over 40 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Somerville, MA on April 20, 1945, he was one of three children to the late Joseph A. McPhee and Mildred B. (Richaur) Phillips.  Bill was raised in Woburn, and graduated from Woburn High School with the class of 1963.  In his younger years, Bill enjoyed bowling and spending time with friends and family.  He worked for many years as a shipper/receiver for Sev Con, where he was known for his reliability and dedication, until his retirement in 2009.

Bill met the love of his life, Marion, through a singles group called “The Single Life,” which regularly hosted dances and social events for people to meet and connect.  The two met in 1984 and were married soon after.  Bill moved to Burlington, where he and Marion settled into their home and built a life together.

A devout and deeply committed member of the Freemasons, Bill joined the fraternity on June 9, 1992.  He was a dedicated ritualist and eventually became the Master of the Billerica Lodge.  Through his involvement with the Masons, Bill volunteered countless hours working to better the lives of others, coordinating and attending numerous charitable and community events.  Bill’s unwavering dedication and immense loyalty can be seen through his many achievements with the lodge over the years, including:

Past Master of Thomas Talbot Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Tewksbury MA

Past, Excellent High Priest, Mount Horeb Lodge, York Rite, Lowell, MA

Past Illustrious Master, Ahasuerus Council, York Rite, Lowell, MA

Past District Deputy Grand Marshal, Lowell 12th District

Past Commander, Pilgrim Commandry #9., Knights Templar, York Rite, Lowell, MA

Past Thrice Illustrious Master, Lowell Lodge of Perfection, Lowell Scottish Rite

Past Chairman 32nd Masonic Forum, Lowell 12th Masonic District

Member of the Degree Team for Aleppo Shriners

Member of Billerica Chapter No. 212 O.E.S

Masonic Leadership Institute, Paul Revere Class, Project was to paint the

interior of Thomas Talbot Lodge

Served as Lodge Ritualist for 15years, worked on the CHIP program and the

Thomas Talbot Blood drives for many years.

Member of Mayflower York Rite Sovereign College

He was awarded the following:

Knight York Cross of Honor

Joseph Warren Medal

Meritorious Service Benjamin Hurd, Jr. Award, York Rite

Later, Marion joined the Order of the Eastern Star, allowing them to share their lodge involvement together.  Bill and Marion especially treasured the trips and cruises they took with fellow lodge members—memories they looked forward to making, and always held dear.  Bill will be remembered for his loyalty, generosity, and devotion to both his family and his fraternity. He leaves behind a legacy of service, friendship, and quiet kindness that will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Along with his loving wife Marion, Bill is survived by his daughter, Kathy A. Morel; his step-children, Robert J. Coates and his wife Peggy of Oklahoma, Joel B. Coates and his wife Candie of UT, and Jeremy M. Coates of MI; his grandson, Michael B. O’Brien; his brother, Paul McPhee and his wife Rita of FL; his 8 step-grandchildren, 6-step-great-grandchildren, as well as many other dear nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Thursday, January 15th from 4-7 pm, with a Mason’s Service to be held at 6:30 pm.  Bill’s Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 16th at 10am at the Presbyterian Church of Burlington, 335 Cambridge St., Burlington.  At the request of the family, all burial services will be held at a later date in Wisconsin. 

As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.