Hopkinton-

William A. Stevens, 96, of Hopkinton, passed away on March 4, 2017. He was the beloved husband of Catherine (Dailey) Stevens who died in 2002.  Born on March 18, 1920 in Newton, MA., he was the son of Charles and Eleanor (Johnson) Stevens, lovingly known as “Lefty Bill” to friends and “Bumpa” to his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

William is survived by his five daughters of whom he was most proud: Carol Gassett and husband Ted, Elizabeth Shepard and husband Robert, Lalee Stevens, Susan Stevens and husband Thomas Ellam, and Deborah Paganelli and Ennio Paganelli. He was the loving grandfather to William Gassett and Adrienne Hollis, Ann Michele Dragsbaek and husband Torin, Catherine Shepard, Robert Shepard and wife Kathi, Erica Nelson, Jake Nelson and wife Laurel, Sarah Ellam and husband Leigh Walker, Matthew Ellam, Timothy Ellam, Michela Capobianco and husband Matthew, Nicole Paganelli  DeMattos and husband Erhick; great grandfather of Madison, Cole, Morgan and Luke Dragsbaek, Reese Shepard, Alicia Nelson, Emily Lane, Noah and Korbin Nelson, Rhys and Tessa Walker, Luca, Matteo and Nico Capobianco and Julian DeMattos.

William was a graduate of Waltham High School, class of 1938. Following graduation, he spent 20 years playing semi-pro baseball as a pitcher for the Waltham City Club and the Framingham Collegians. He was best known as the “south-paw” pitcher and this is where he was given the nickname “Lefty Bill” which followed him the rest of his years. His love for baseball remained throughout his life as did his passion for horse racing and the Kentucky Derby. William worked for Anchor Motor Freight for 35 years beginning his career as a driver and Union Shop Steward, later moving into management where he became Operations Manager and Terminal Manager. Following retirement, he relocated to Margate, FL. with his beloved wife Catherine, and very soon returned to the work he loved in the transportation industry where he was employed by Bachrodt Chevrolet for 20 years- ending his long career at the age of 86.  His most treasured times were spent at his summer home in York Beach, Maine with his family all around. William developed the summer community, Windermere Cottages, where many families continue to enjoy this splendid spot.

A visiting hour will be held Wednesday, March 8th from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home, 57 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton. A funeral Mass will follow at St. John’s Church, 20 Church St., Hopkinton at 10:00 a.m.  Burial will be in Edgell Grove Cemetery, Framingham. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA. 01701. For further information, please visit www.chesmorefuneralhome.com.