William B. Baston

"South Hadley, William B. Baston, 83, of Alvord Place, died peacefully on Thursday, March 1, at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Farmington, NH on April 19, 1928, he was the son of Burton and Elfreda (Currier) Baston and step-son of Norman Otis. Bill was raised and educated in NH and he proudly served his country in the US Navy. After his discharge he was signed by the Red Sox as a left- handed pitcher. Bill attended Keene State College where he obtained his undergraduate degree and Plymouth State College where he earned his Master's Degree. During his professional career as a educator, he was a teacher and coach at Sunapee High School , Principal at Newfound High School, a consultant for the NH State Dept. of Education, and the Superintendent of Schools of Merrimack Valley , Andover and Shaker Regional School Districts for 20 years. Upon his retirement he enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Ledges Golf Club, collecting sports cards and watching his grandson's sports activities. Bill was a member of Center Congregational Church in South Hadley. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn (Ramsay), his son William and his wife Carolyn of South Hadley along with his three grandchildren, Robert, Jonathan and Theodore. His sister, Marion "Bette" Emmett and her husband Donald of VA and many nieces and nephews also survive him. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his infant son Robert and his sisters, Almira Baston and Mary Baldarelli. Funeral services will be on Monday, March 5 at Center Congregational Church at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at a later date in Pine Grove Cemetery in NH. Calling hours will be on Sunday, March 4 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Donations in his memory may be made to the Ledges Golf Course C/O South Hadley Select Board, Town of South Hadley, Main St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Please visit www.beersandstory.com to sign the online guestbook. "