William Joseph McGee, III – Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Musician, Teacher, and Storyteller
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William (Bill) McGee, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and sibling, who left us peacefully on September 14, 2025, at the age of 80. Bill lived a life filled with music, golf, laughter, and stories that only grew taller with time.
Born in Dorchester, MA, to Elizabeth (Maloney) and William J. McGee, Jr., and raised in Reading, MA, as the eldest in a family of seven children. Bill graduated from Reading H.S. and then attended Fairfield University. After graduating in 1967, he began a lifetime career of 33 years in the Mahopac, NY, school system. A self-taught drummer, Bill was able to put himself through college with these talents. From the age of 16 and into his 70s, the lively sound of his drumming and guitar strumming could be heard at countless venues, from churches, weddings, and clubs to his own back porch, delighting his grandchildren.
Also a proud drum corps enthusiast, family vacations often revolved around travel to a DCI competition and cheering on the Garfield Cadets and Boston Crusaders. His infectious enthusiasm for music arts inspired many of his children and grandchildren to follow in his footsteps. Music was just one of the many ways Bill shared his love. A gifted teacher and golf coach, he touched the lives of countless students and co-workers, not just with his knowledge, but with compassion and an infectious sense of humor.
At home, Bill was known for his sweet tooth and a legendary disdain for anything green on his plate. He could be bribed with a bowl of ice cream, or a box of peanut brittle – and he was never shy about reminding everyone that dessert was the most important food group.
His home was always filled with music, laughter, and the warm chaos of a life well-lived. His storytelling was legendary – long-winded, but always captivating. Whether recounting tales from his youth, misadventures on the golf course, or moments of pure magic on stage, he had a way of making even the simplest story most entertaining.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary Ellen (Matchett), sons Sean (Cheryl) McGee of Austin, TX, Kevin (Nicole Parianos) McGee of Broomfield, CO and daughter Erin (Brian) Tuohy of Driftwood, TX.; in addition to eight adored grandchildren, Kyle, Katie, Sarah, Owen, Colin, Kelly, Melina and Wesley. He also leaves behind brothers: Bob (Kathy) of Bolivia, N.C., Dan (Elaine) of Forestdale, MA, Paul of Little Rock, AR, Brian (Denise) of York, ME. and sisters Mary (David) Williams of Reading, MA and Joanne McGee Lamb of Van Nuys, CA, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, 9/27/25, at 11 AM at Holy Redeemer Church, 57 Highland Ave, Chatham, MA 02633, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, family requests friends to consider donations in his memory to; Mass General Hospital, 125 Nashua St., Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114 or http://giving.massgeneral.org
