Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
William Michael Sances, 78, passed away peacefully at home in Vero Beach on October 5, 2024, following a lengthy battle with bladder cancer related to exposure to Agent Orange during his military service in Vietnam. He was proud to serve his country in the United States Army, as a medic in the First Cavalry.
Bill, also known as Pablo, was born in South Boston on May 8, 1946 to the late Catherine “Sis” (Brennan) and Nicholas J. Sances, Sr. He lived in South Boston for 29 years then in different parts of the south shore: Abington, Plymouth, Kingston and Bridgewater, Massachusetts, before moving to Florida.
He graduated from South Boston High School in 1963 where he lettered in baseball and football. Upon his return from his military service, he had the opportunity to go to Boston State College where he continued his education through the Master’s program. He married two separate times, first to Jennifer.
Bill is survived by his wife, Fawn; six children, Paul (Deena), Jessica René (Ray), Melissa, Brian (Lydia), Michael (Maia) and Kim; nine grandchildren, Riley, Nathan, Camilla, Joshua, Johnny (The General), Cody Hawk, Lyra, Sophie and Will; three sisters and a brother, Rita, Betty, Barbara (Bill), and Bobby (Robin); brother-in-law to Greta and Kevin along with his God-daughter, Lisa, God-son, Adam and many other nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his brothers, Buddy and Jackie and sister, Jeanne Gorham.
He retired in 2005 from Miskinis Motors in Bridgewater, MA where he worked in sales and leasing. He had also worked for the U.S Government Medicare program, Boston Water Department and Boston Edison.
His lifelong love of baseball led him through years of coaching Little and Babe Ruth Leagues of South Boston. He eventually became the Commissioner of the South Boston Little League. He was a true Boston sports fan – Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Patriots.
As a friend of Bill W’s, his struggle with alcoholism found recovery through the grace of a loving God, the fellowship and his longtime friendships with Curty and others. In service he was active facilitating meetings and sponsorship in Massachusetts and Florida.
Later in life Bill was encouraged by his friends to trade the baseball for a golf ball. He quickly worked out a respectable game, even breaking 70 a couple of times. The friendships he made on the course were a source of strength and much Caddy Shack humor.
In Vero Beach he found new opportunities to be of service. He served as the President of the Grove Isle Condominium Association for six years and he helped organize the Grove Isle band of golfers.
He was so grateful to the medical support he had the last five years through the Scully Cancer Center, Moffitt and the Florida Cancer Specialists, Dr. Byer and the VNA Hospice.
Bill loved life, the beach, Nino’s pizza, his family and friends. His life was full and he’s a man who will be missed.
Bill supported several charities including Shriners Hospital, Tunnel to Towers and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any of these charities. Services will be held the first week of December in Florida and in May 2025 in the Boston area.
Condolences may be shared with the family on this tribute page.
Our caring professionals are here to assist you and your family during this difficult time. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to assist in immediate arrangements or pre-arrangements.
Jeanmarie Benoist
October 15, 2024, 1:36 pm
Uncle Bill, I will miss everything about you and the love you shared with me.
Lovingly,
Jeanmarie
Kelly Hagen
October 15, 2024, 2:34 pm
My prayers are with you Fawn. Bill was the best and I will always miss him.
Billy Miller
October 15, 2024, 3:42 pm
I was glad we were able to get together last year, it had been way too long. Pablo was a really great and funny guy, and I will always cherish the memories. We had a lot of good times, eh Pablo ? Rest In Peace, and thanks for being a good friend.
Barbara Sparks
October 15, 2024, 3:45 pm
Brother Bill, I will miss your humor, your impersonations, your singing and most of all your Love of Life!! You are so easy to remember, to know you is to Love You! You will be forever in my heart and thoughts! You will be missed immensely!! Your sister, Barb
Bob ( Greeko) Guerriero
October 15, 2024, 5:33 pm
I can’t help but think of all the fun times without thinking of Pablo. An all around great guy from a great family. Bill was a guy you will never forget. RIP my friend. Greeko
Eddie Murray
October 15, 2024, 7:21 pm
Eddie Murray,,when I was new to AAin 1979 Billy stayed after me to go to meetings,I will b eternally Grateful to Billy,I grew up with his family in Southie with his Brother Buddy,the boys are like family to me,save me a chair Billy.
Edward Murray
October 15, 2024, 7:44 pm
In 1979 I was new to AA meetings and Billy kept calling me to go to meetings,I am eternally Grateful to him,guys like Billy saved my life,growing up.with his Family great memories,
Rose derise
October 15, 2024, 10:57 pm
We’re going to be missing a beautiful man n handsome I always mixed him
Elaine and John Fantozzi
October 15, 2024, 10:59 pm
Fawn, Betty,Bobby and all Bill’s loved ones,
What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. We can feel blessed to have been a small part of Bill’s life.
Grove Isle will not be the same without Bill.
Bill made a difference as President of Grove Isle in so many ways .
We will be thinking of his family and friends with sympathy and love as you celebrate Bill’s wonderful life
Sending healing prayers, and comforting hugs.
Bill is with Jesus now, saving a place for the rest of us!
Linda Stevenson and Gary Lambert
October 15, 2024, 11:02 pm
Bill was a true gentleman and was a great asset to Grove Isle. One of our fondest memories was when Bill played the part of Ed Sullivan at the Beatles Abby Road night. He was such a good sport and we shared many laughs. We will miss you.
Virginia Gifford
October 16, 2024, 2:44 pm
We were so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a wonderful guy, who absolutely adored his family. God bless his soul as he is now at peace.
Fawn and family, we are thinking of you all and are sending healing thoughts & prayers!
Fondly,
Gin & Angela
Robert Nangle
October 16, 2024, 9:15 pm
Uncle Bill , King of the puns you will be missed
And you left us too too early. All my love to your family. Love Robert
Sandra Concannon
October 17, 2024, 4:26 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. We were good friends in high school. So much fun! One of the nicest guys ever!
Sandy McGuffey Concannon
Mike & Lynne Levin
October 20, 2024, 6:55 pm
Bill always had a kind word to offer, a genuine smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was so upbeat and positive, he could brighten your day with just a brief conversation. Bill was one of the good guys and he will be greatly missed by his friends at Grove Isle and everywhere. Our sincere condolences to Fawn and family.
Francis F Whitty
October 26, 2024, 1:36 pm
Fawn-Bill was such a great guy. Dee and I, and those of us who were associated with the two of you from the North Middleboro folks offer our sincere condolences.
Sandi D’Ambrosia
November 3, 2024, 11:42 pm
A beautiful man with an always ready smile. Such a sincere pleasure knowing him. I too will miss seeing him on his morning walks. RIP Billy. You touched many hearts…❤️❤️
Marilyn Black Dussault
November 20, 2024, 2:55 am
Fawn,
I only recently learned of Bill’s passing.
I am so very sorry.
Bill was a true gentleman.
May he rest in the arms of God and be at peace.
God bless you and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Black Dussault