WORTHINGTON: 
William R. Wilander, 86, died Sunday, January 24, 2016 at his daughters home in East Longmeadow. He was born on February 28, 1929 in Chester to the late Frank and Dorothy (Grove) Wilander. He was raised in Chester has lived in Westfield and Worthington for many years. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Korean War and served on the U.S.S. Hanson. He worked at Sterling Radiator for many years. Bill was a member of the NRA and enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved the outdoor country life. He leaves his wife Lillian K. (Hildack) Wilander, his children Susan Mineau of Westfield, Pamela Baker of Middlefield, Nancy O’Melia of East Longmeadow and Paula Baker of Elmira, NY, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He also leaves his sister Gail Smith of Westfield and many nieces, nephews and cousins and a close friend Mike Mihalek. He was pre-deceased by his grandson William M. Baker and his great-grandson Patrick P.J. Gallagher, his brother Richard Wilander, his sister Gwen Smith, son-in-laws Paul Mineau and Wayne Baker. The funeral for Bill will be held on Friday January 29th at 4 p.m. from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. Burial will be held in the spring in Worthington. Calling hours will be held from 3-4 p.m. on Friday before the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Baystate Visiting Nurse and Hospice 50 Maple Street, Springfield, MA 01102.
