William J. Surette

William J. Surette, of Carmel, Maine, formerly of Stoneham, MA, unexpectedly passed away on August 21, 2025.

Born and raised in Stoneham, Bill graduated from Stoneham High School in 1968. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was a proud veteran who participated in many veteran events in Maine

Upon returning home, he pursued higher education, earning his Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and a Master's in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.

Bill dedicated his career to public service. He was a proud member of the Stoneham Police Department for 32 years, where he was fondly known as “Sarge.”

Larger than life and with a quick wit, he could always make you laugh, and he was known for renaming nearly everyone he met with his own colorful nicknames.

Outside of his service, Bill was an avid car enthusiast at an early age, loving his two 55 Chevys, drag racing, and the Gassah Guys Club of Maine. He was a published poet, fitting as he always had a way with words. Bill never met a casino he didn’t like and was blessed with lady luck.

After retiring, Bill moved to Maine with his special love, Rita, where he enjoyed his version of “Green Acres” living on Heartstone Farm. He especially cherished his animals, notably Charlie, his beloved pet pig.

Bill could be a man of few words or too many. But there was never any doubt of him always being present to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Those who knew him will remember his humor, compassion, and unwavering loyalty to family, friends, and community. Anyone who met Bill walked away with quite an impression.

Bill was the son of the late Paul Surette and Iolanda (Minghella) Wagner. He leaves behind his wife, Rita, of 21 years, his children, W.J. Surette and his wife Sandra of Saugus, Aimee Mattingly and her husband David of Portland, Oregon, and William Grappi of Maine. Grandson Bodhi Mattingly of Portland, Oregon, Sister Kathleen Conary and her husband Kevin Cantwell of Stoneham, Nephews Thomas J. Conary, Joseph W. Conary and his wife Alycia, Niece Kristina K. O’Meara and her husband Paul, Sarah Visser and her husband Pieter, and great niece Madisyn Conary.

Funeral from the Barile Family Funeral Home 482 Main St. (RT28) STONEHAM on Friday August 29th, 2025 at 9 am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating William's Eternal in St. Patrick Church 71 Central St. Stoneham at 10 am. Interment with Military Honors will be held in St. Patrick Cemetery, Stoneham.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with the family on Thursday August 28th, 2025 from 3 pm to 7 pm in the funeral home. Parking attendants and elevator available.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of William J. Surette can be made to K9s For Warriors, which incorporates Bill's love for Veterans and dogs.   K9s For Warriors Donation Link