Obituary of William Small

William J. Small, a resident of Burlington since 1971, passed away after a brief illness at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center on Sunday afternoon, January 22, 2012. The beloved husband of Phyllis (Mokler) they would have celebrated their 58 wedding anniversary in February. Bill was 78 years old. Bill was born and raised in Somerville. He was the son of Irish Immigrants the late William and Catherine Small. Bill was a graduate of St. Joseph Elementary School and Malden Catholic High School. After the service he went on to graduate from Suffolk University. Bill was a veteran of the Korean War. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Bill had a successful career as a Manager at John Hancock Insurance in Boston where he was employed for over 40 years retiring at the age of 58. Bill was a very handy person. Before settling in Burlington in 1971 Bill had purchased 7 homes that he fixed up and sold. Bill and Phyllis enjoyed traveling together and had visited such destinations as England, Switzerland, Ireland, Aruba as well as taking a number of Cruises. They also enjoyed taking trips to Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. Bill had a passion for Politics. He was a daily walker. He was blessed to have two grandchildren whom he had a special relationship with. He doted on Victoria and Nicholas. Bill was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Bill was the beloved husband of 58 years of Phyllis (Mokler). He was the loving father of William J. Small, Jr. and Edward “Ted” Small & his wife Tara all of Burlington. Brother of Ann Hamrick of Medford and the late Patricia Small. Devoted grandfather of Victoria and Nicholas. Uncle of Diane Hastat and Phil, David & Paul Hamrick. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Friday, Jan. 27 at 11 a.m. Followed a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., BURLINGTON at 12 Noon. Visiting hours Thursday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Bill’s name may be made to Lahey Clinic Medical Center, C/O Philanthropy Dept., 31 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01803.