William C. Stella Jr.

SOUTH PARIS — William Charles “Bill” Stella Jr., 60, of South Paris, passed away on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, at his home after a long illness with his family by his side.

He was born in Chelsea, Mass. on April 7, 1953, the son of William Charles Stella Sr. and Beulah Norftill Stella. He retired from the MBTA in Boston and moved to Maine in 1990, where he lived with his wife until his passing.

“Bill” enjoyed many activities, including riding his motorcycle, fly-fishing, hunting and he enjoyed the outdoors. Although not active, he was a member of the Galilean Lodge A.F. & A.M. Before moving to Maine, Bill owned his own florist business in Malden, Mass. He enjoyed dancing and making people laugh. His favorite dance to do for the kids was “Roll out the Barrel.” He knew he could get a laugh out of that. He loved gardening and watching his newly-found friends the “Gophers” eat up all his hard work. Bill loved playing the guitar and singing his heart out even though he wasn’t very good at it. Each time a grandchild was born “Papa” made up cute little pet names for them.

He was a true entrepreneur in his own right. He used his skills to make bird toys, run a hot dog wagon with his wife, build fly rods and model airplanes. He also loved to make Christmas decorations with the grandchildren. He once tried his hand at making homemade soda and root beer, only to have the root beer explode in his spare bedroom. Bill was also a cancer survivor.

Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife Linda of 25 years; his mother Beulah Stella of Fla.; two sisters, Beulah Garneau and Nancy Rogers; his children, Valerie Stella of Stoneham, Mass., William Stella III of Stoneham, Mass., Catherine Bell of Harrison, Debra Clough of Harrison, Tracey Martin of Fairfield and Richard Clough of Norway; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, Jan. 3 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com