William Edward Horan

William Edward Horan, age 92, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the MetroWest Medical Center - Framingham Union Hospital in Framingham, Massachusetts.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 21, 1930, he was the son of the late James Francis and Minnie (Schlaich) Horan.  He was raised in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood and graduated from Boston Trade High School with the Class of 1948.  Following his graduation, Bill applied to and was accepted by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union, Local 103 in Boston, following in his father's footsteps.  He quickly got to work serving his apprenticeship, learning the electrical trade.  As the Korean War escalated, Bill was called away from work to serve in the United States Army.  Bill was stationed with Company C, 430^th Engineer Construction Battalion, spending two years on active duty.  He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal, prior to his honorable discharge in February of 1954.  Upon his return home to Jamaica Plain, Bill picked up with the IBEW right where he left off, completing his apprenticeship in short order and earning his electrician's license. 

Bill married his beloved wife, Rosalyn D. Needle, on June 26, 1964, at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Jamaica Plain.  The couple initially made their home in Jamaica Plain, but a year later, they left the city, making their home in the quiet suburban town of Medfield, Massachusetts.  Bill continued his career with the IBEW for many years prior to his retirement in 1991.  Even in his retirement, Bill remained loyal to his union, maintaining his membership, and serving on the Executive Board, Function Manager, Organizing Agent and as a historian for the IBEW Local 103, recently receiving his 74-year pin.  In addition to his full-time position as an electrician, Bill and Rosalyn enjoyed having a consignment booth at the Wrentham Antique Marketplace.  As an antique enthusiast, Bill was always on the lookout for a new piece to add to his booth, whether in other stores or at yard sales, making plenty of friends along the way.

When he wasn't hard at work, Bill loved spending time near the ocean or pond, with his fishing gear in hand, or on the beach, soaking up the sun rays.  After a day in the sun, Bill looked forward to dressing in his nice clothes for an evening out with Rosalyn, finding a new restaurant to try out.  No matter where his travels for the day took him, he was always sure to stop by a convenience store to try his luck with the daily numbers.

Beloved husband of Rosalyn D. (Needle) Horan.

Loving father of William E. Horan Jr. of Medfield and Denise A. Horan of Wrentham.

Cherished grandfather of Mattias P. Horan and his wife, Julie, of London and Amanda D. Horan of Copenhagen.

Brother of Eileen Early of Norwell, Richard Horan of Needham, Catherine O'Connor of Montreal, the late Margaret Paquet, the late Patricia Horan, the late James Horan, and the late Anne Hartigan.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Bill's visitation on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 10:30 AM.  Interment will follow in Highland Cemetery in Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill's name may be made to: American Macular Deterioration Foundation, PO Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061-0515.