William C. “Billy” Shawno
William C. “Billy” Shawno passed peacefully on December 17, 2014 with his family by his side following a sudden turn for the worse. He arrived in this world on January 4, 1953 and lived life in the Bay View section of Gloucester. Billy lived a simple and unconventional life. He loved the woods, the quarries, his cars, his beer, and watching thunderstorms and stars, fireworks and bonfires. He respected life and family, cared for animals, enjoyed a swift boat ride on a hot summer day and relished his travels with Mary and Al. He watched people come and go from the junkyard and could usually be persuaded to fix anything for anyone. Extraordinarily talented, he could repair any engine, build a house or stone wall, weld a truck or construct a stove; he could make his Digger dance. His gentle side shone when he held his newborn son to his chest and later taught his daughter how to plant and tend a garden. Billy is survived by his son, William C., Jr. of Malden and daughter, Ashley M. Shawno of Gloucester; his niece, E. Marie Shawno of ME; and many cousins, including Gino and Tammy Balzarini of ME; and numerous friends, especially Mary and Al George, Paul Blanding, Jake O’Hanley, Glen Rose, and Ricky Balzarini, who filled his life with time and love. He was predeceased by his parents, William H. and Helen E. (Palmer) Shawno and his sister, Jessie Marie. ARRANGEMENTS: In accordance with Billy’s wishes, there will be no services; a memorial celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. The family is being assisted by Boston Cremation of Malden and Billy’s ashes will be interred with those of his loved ones. Messages of condolence may be left at http:// www.bostoncremation.org. Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
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Billy was my student for two years at Central Grammar School. He was a quiet, extremely polite young person who always did what was asked of him. Years later I had the opportunity to meet Billy again when I went to his home in Bay View to possibly get a part for my niece’s car which at the time was very old. Billy handed me the part and refused to take any money for the part. When I insisted, he simply said, “No charge.” I realized then that that was Billy’s way of saying he respected me as his teacher. I extend my sympathies to his family.
Dear Will(I left a message on your facebook) & Ashley, who Billy used to call his ‘bucket of bolts’, I hadn’t seen your Dad enough in recent years but he always had a huge smile & a bear-hug for me. He will always be remembered & deeply missed by me & my entire family, we grew up together from the time we could walk& shared many great times. He was a happy, talented & big hearted man. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. Sincerely, Judy Amazeen, (Ed’s sister).
Our sincere condolences to Billy’s family . Billy’s kindness will be missed as much as his many talents.
I met Billy when he totally rebuilt Charlie Bianchini’s crane .Quite a complicated job for sure but not for him . He lived his life as a savy , honest , tough and hard working man . In recent yrs my son Rob got to work alongside and learn and laugh with Billy too . He made a positive difference in many peoples lives . Cape Ann has lost one of our best .
RIP Bill
Bob & Rob Paradis
Rockport
My sincere condolences to Billy’s family.Bil would come down with Al and Mary in the winter months to Honduras and stay my hotel.and that’s how I got to know Bill,he truly enjoyed his time down here,helping to what ever project was on the go with Al and sitting down at the pier having a cold beer,a kind hearted guy that was always there to give a helping hand to anyone.When it was time to head back home he would say he wished he could stay longer and always wished he could.Were all going to miss you Bill and we’ll think of you often.
So many great memories of Shawno and friends. I’ve been gone a long time and just returned to MA for good…too sad to know I didn’t get one last beer and one last laugh. Go Billy… go!! Best, Ruth