Obituary: Joseph William McNamara Sr.

Joseph William McNamara Sr., 97
Joseph William (“Bill”) McNamara Sr., of Hull, died at home on June 11. He was 97.
Mr. McNamara started his ice business, Nantasket Ice, and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Army during WW II, where he fought in five battles, including the Allied Invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant at the conclusion of the war. 
Upon returning, he joined the Highway Department and then became a Hull firefighter for 32 years. Mr. McNamara was also employed by Funland Park while he co-owned and operated Nantasket Transportation Co. 
After retiring from the Hull Fire Department, he worked at Paragon Park. Not missing a day’s work, he became the Straits Pond Gatekeeper for a number of years. The bridge was later named after him. He was also a member of Post 95. 
He was the beloved husband of the late Marjorie M. (Sammet) McNamara; loving father of Michael J. McNamara and his wife, Pamela J., of Marshfield; Kevin M. McNamara and his wife, Julie, of Naples, Fla.; Wendy L. McLeod and her husband, Michael, of Hanson; Joseph W. (“Billy”) McNamara Jr. and his wife, Carol, of Hull; Mark S. McNamara and his wife, Sharon, of Pembroke; and the late John P. “Jackie” McNamara. He was the loving brother of the late Robert McNamara and the late George McNamara, both of Hull, and adoring grandfather of 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Mr. McNamara is survived by his devoted companion and loving dog, Daisy. 
Bill was a devoted husband for more than 70 years. There were not many times you would see one without the other. They will now be together forever. 
Due to the pandemic, a private wake will be held, followed by a private Mass at St. Ann’s Church and interment in Hull Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Scituate Animal Shelter, 780 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Scituate, MA 02066. To share a remembrance with the family, visit: https://www.mcnamara-sparrell.com/obituary/JosephBill-McNamara.