William L. Henderson

Haverhill, MA: William L. Henderson, 85, of Haverhill died on Monday, December 16, 2013 surrounded by his loving family at Lawrence General Hospital after a battle with cancer.

Born, raised, and educated in Haverhill, son of the late Joseph and Emma (Jarvis) Henderson, he attended Hannah Dustin School and graduated from Haverhill Trade School in 1946. One of the youngest of a family of fifteen children, Mr. Henderson was the last surviving member before his death on Monday.

Mr. Henderson served in the United States Army during World War II and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Following his honorable discharge from the military he worked as a Manufacturing Engineer employed by Western Electric Co, AT & T Technologies, and the former Lucent Technologies for thirty-eight years until his retirement.

A member of All Saints Parish and the former St. Joseph's Parish, Mr. Henderson was a 4th Degree member of Father O'Doherty Assembly 391, and a member of All Saints Council 202 of The Knights of Columbus.

An avid Boston sports fan, he enjoyed watching the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins. He also enjoyed playing softball in the Western Electric League and bowling at St. Joseph's. In addition to sports, Mr. Henderson was an accomplished musician. He sang and played the accordion and guitar along with many of his family members as a member of the Merrimack Valley Drifters. He also enjoyed square dancing with the MerriVales Square Dancers.

He is predeceased by his wife, Claire L. (Dodier) Henderson, and is survived by his sons, William L. Henderson, Jr. and his wife Betty Anne of Haverhill, and Russell A. Henderson of Haverhill, four daughters, Marcelle "Marcie" Ryan and her husband John of Lowell, Suzanne M. Ouellette of Plaistow, NH, Cheryl J. Bergman and her husband John of Durham, NH, and Wendy M. DiMauro and her husband Frank of Haverhill, twelve grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his son Randolph "Randy" Henderson, a son-in-law Michael Ouellette and granddaughter, Michele Ouellette.

Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, December 19, 2013 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Route 121A, Plaistow, NH. His funeral will begin on Friday, December 20, at 9 a.m. from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at All Saints Church, 120 Bellevue Avenue, Haverhill, MA. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Haverhill. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of All Saints Parish, 120 Bellevue Avenue, Haverhill, MA. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website, www.brooksidechapelfh.com.