William F, Frain, age 76, passed away peacefully Wednesday August 29, 2018 at Linda Manor Extended Care Facility in Northampton with his family by his side. Bill lived his life fully and prescribed to a personal philosophy of “Rather than saying I wish I did, I’d rather do and wish I didn’t”. Bill was a graduate of St. Jerome’s High School and Providence College, and he received a Masters Degree from the University of Massachusetts.
Bill always believed in the importance of hard work. He worked many jobs throughout his life including picking vegetables and tobacco, cashier at Ryback’s Bakery, at the Holyoke Transcript, as a golf caddy at Crestview Country Club, and at Fontaine Brothers Construction. He began his professional career at Valley Bank after college and managed forty employees.
He eventually decided to take a risk and join Kidder Peabody Inc. as a Stockbroker. His career as a stockbroker was one he loved every minute of every day. Bill became the youngest assistant vice president at age 27.
The friendships started at Kidder Peabody were lifelong friendships. Bill continued to revel in managing accounts up until his death. His passion and aptitude for managing finances was admirable.
Bill also believed in making a contribution to community and giving back with his time and his talents. He had a strong belief in the importance of Catholic education and he established scholarships at Providence College and Elms College. Along with his wife Nancy, he also sponsored a suite at the Center for Student Success at Elms College.
He served on the Board of Directors of the Elms College for 22 years and this year received the Via Veritatis Medal for his philanthropy and commitment to Catholic Values. His volunteerism also included work with the Friends of the Homeless, Downey Side, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and Hospice Care. Bill loved being outdoors, weather it be fishing, hiking or just reading a book in the sunshine.
He golfed every day that he could. He loved to travel and in his lifetime visited 36 countries and at least 40 of the 50 United States of America. Bill had a strong Catholic Faith since childhood and relied on this faith to give him the strength and grace to live out the past year with a presence and a kindness felt by all those who knew him.
His level of resilience and determination was nothing short of remarkable. Bill’s greatest pleasure came from making personal connections to everyone he met. William was predeceased by his wife, Nancy H. (O’Shea) Frain in 2015.
He is also predeceased by his parents Mary Wojciechowski Frain Antroll and George Antroll and his beloved uncle Marion Wojciechowski. He is survived by his children David W. Frain of Montgomery, Kerry P. Normandin and her husband Peter of Goshen, and Michael J. Frain of Holyoke; two grandchildren, Nicole and Mason; a sister, Karen Antroll of Leverett; and many nieces, nephews, and a multitude of close friends. The funeral will be held Wednesday September 5 at 9:30 am from the Barry J Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke, followed by Mass in St. Patrick’s Chapel of St. Jerome Church at 10:30am.
Burial will take place at St. Jerome Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday, September 4 from 3:00 to 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Providence Ministries, the Sisters of St. Joseph, or Friends of the Homeless.
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