EMERSON, WILLIAM H.
William H. Emerson, 86, of North Elm Street, passed away Sunday, November 18, 2007 at his home. Born in Webster, New Hampshire, February 12, 1921, he was the son of the late Walters, and Anne May (Merrill) Emerson. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran of WW II, Mr. Emerson served in the Pacific Campaign with the Marine Raiders on numerous islands including Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. He was seriously wounded in early 1945 and received the Purple Heart. A homebuilder, Mr. Emerson owned and operated his own construction company in the area for over 40 years building 68 homes and remodeling many others. He was a member of the Michael Curtin Post 8006, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and also the DAV. Mr. Emerson loved old cars, particularly Packards, which he bought and restored. He was an active hospital volunteer with the VA Medical Center in Leeds and also at the Holyoke Soldier’s Home. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Marie (Garrett) Emerson; four children, his son Lawrence Emerson and his wife Linda of Longmeadow, his son William E. Emerson and his wife Sally of Westfield, his daughter Lorraine (Emerson) Cheney and her husband Richard of Somers, CT and his son Thomas Emerson of Northampton; three brothers, Gordon “John” Emerson of Wales, Donald Emerson of Florence, and Jerry Emerson of Leeds; a sister Bea Emerson of Agawam; and eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be held at Pease and Gay Funeral Home, 425 Prospect St., Northampton, Friday at 11:30 AM with calling hours from 10 AM until 11:30 AM. Burial with military honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Northampton will be Saturday at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael Curtin -Post 8006, Veteran’s of Foreign Wars (VFW) or the Holyoke Soldiers Home.