SOUTHWICK: William Joseph “Bill” Atteridge, Sr., 87, a longtime resident of Southwick, died late Friday evening, August 29, 2014 at Noble Hospital in Westfield. He was born in Peace Dale, RI a son of the late Richard H. and Edwina C. (Hollaway) Atteridge and was a 1948 graduate of South Kingston High School in Peace Dale, two years later graduated from the Commercial Photography School of Arts in New Haven, Connecticut. He began a 27 year career as an advertising, fashion and celebrity photographer as well as working for Gimbel’s Department Store in New York City. He began a second career as a freelance general contractor for over 25 years from which he retired in 2001.
Bill was a communicant of Our Lady of the Lake Church in Southwick. He was a veteran of WW II serving with the United States Navy as well as a recipient of several awards and citations including American Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Medals and WWII Victory Medal. Bill is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 65 years, Gertrude Y. “Trudy” (Edmonds) Atteridge and leaves 3 sons, William J. Atteridge, Jr. and his wife Vivien of Cheshire, England, Stephen M. Atteridge and his wife Connie of Mebane, NC, and Brian J. Atteridge of Shrewsbury; 2 daughters, Edwina C. Califano and her husband Arthur of Pomona, NY and Mary Ann Mortati and her husband Stephen of Southwick; 1 sister, Joann Chapman of Rangeley, ME; as well as 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his brother Richard H. Atteridge Jr. in 2004, his daughter-in-law, Cathy Atteridge and his sister, Edwina Zanes both in 2013.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, September 4th at 8:00 a.m. from the Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:15 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Church, Sheep Pasture Road, both in Southwick, with Rites of Committal and Military Honors at 11:00 a.m. at the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday evening, September 3nd from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory may be directed to the Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445. For more information, please visit us at www.forastierefuneralhome.com.
