Known for his subtle wit, wisdom, and easy going nature
NORTH READING — William D. Boucher, 94, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, surrounded by his family, after a long and fulfilling life. He was the devoted husband and best friend of Lorraine (Caprara) Boucher. They were high school sweethearts and were married for 66 years, until Lorraine passed away in 2021. Originally from New York, Bill and Lorraine moved to North Reading in 1963, where they raised their family and then welcomed the next two generations.
Bill was the rock of his family. He was a supportive and encouraging guide to his four children: Denise (and her husband Malcolm); Cary (and his wife Robin); Mary Alison and Michael. He was the loving grandfather and Papa to: Joseph (and his wife Sandra), Justina (and her husband Scott), Jeremy and Joshua; Kyle, Ryan (and his fiancée Meghan), Colin and Caroline; William and Andrew. His large family also included 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Bill is survived by his brother Joe, of Arkansas, and was predeceased by his sister Barbara.
Born in 1931, in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., to his parents Eugene and Margaret, his early years were shaped by the Great Depression and World War II. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He served for four years stationed in the Philippines and at Lockbourne AFB in Ohio.
Bill began his career at IBM in Fishkill, N.Y., and continued at different local companies including Avco/Textron and Raytheon, until his retirement in 1995. He was employed as a Technical Writer and Information Specialist with a primary focus on Transportation and Aerospace data.
Bill was known for his subtle wit, wisdom, and easy going nature. He was always able to find common ground with others and could strike up a conversation with anyone he met. Throughout his life, he was a sports enthusiast, playing on teams in high school, the military and in adult leagues. He also enjoyed golf and was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. Thriving on competition, Bill was an astute analyst of the NFL and bested his opponents 5 out of the last 7 seasons in the weekly “pick ems” challenge.
He and Lorraine had a deep appreciation for the beauty of New England and looked forward to day trips to Rockport and Marblehead Neck. They also treasured the memories they created when they traveled to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Germany, Portugal and Italy.
A man of faith, Bill was a communicant at St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading. His funeral will be held from the Funeral Home on Saturday, August 30 at 9:15 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St., North Reading. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Special Olympics or the MSPCA-Angell. To leave an online message of condolence please visit: www.croswellfuneralhome.com.