William E. McNamara

McNamara, William E. (Bill), 89, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026. He was the beloved husband of the late Carol (Leclerc) McNamara for 52 years. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late William J. and Sally (McBride) McNamara. He was preceded in death by his three brothers, Jim, Jack, and Ken McNamara.

William is survived by his loving children, COL Michael B. McNamara, US Army (Ret.) and his wife Dorothy McNamara of North Providence, Kristine McNamara of Providence, and Colleen Deluski and her husband Andrew Deluski of Providence. He was the proud and loving grandfather to six grandchildren, Stephen McNamara, Elizabeth McNamara and her husband Matthew Provencher, Patricia McNamara, Caroline McNamara, Evan Deluski and Sean Deluski. William had many nieces and nephews with whom he always loved to visit and catch up.

Bill graduated from LaSalle Academy and attended the St. Josephs’ Initiate in Barrytown, NY for one year where he undertook seminary studies. After leaving St. Joseph’s he received his bachelors and Masters in Education (M.Ed.) from Providence College. Bill served eight years in the Rhode Island Army National Guard. He taught in Providence at Classical High School for six years before moving to Johnston High School where he taught all levels of math for 29 years before retiring.

While at Johnston High School, he launched and then coached the track program for 15 years. He was president of the RI Track Coaches Association for two years. In recognition of his many contributions to the athletic program at Johnston High School, Bill was inducted into the Johnston High School Athletic Hall of Fame on October 22, 2023.

Bill was president of the Johnston Federation of Teachers for 30 years, Vice President of the Rhode Island AFT for 25 years and served on the board of the RI AFL-CIO for 20 years.

An avid golfer, for many years, Bill was a member of Valley Country Club. There, along with his close friends, he was a founding member of the “Crazy Eights.”

Bill was a communicant of St. Pius V Church, Providence for over 60 years.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Pius V Church, 240 Eaton Street, Providence on Thursday May 21, 2026 at 10:15 am. Burial with Military Honors will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours  at the Skeffington Funeral Home & Cremation, 925 Chalkstone Avenue, May 20, 2026  from 4 pm to 7 pm . In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter, 245 Waterman St #306, Providence, RI 02906.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the SKEFFINGTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION of Providence, RI. Please visit www.hillskeff.com for additional information.