Obituary for William Joseph Schiavo Jr.,
William J. “Billy” Schiavo, Jr.
A good Christian, honored veteran, caring son, husband, father, brother, and friend is gone too soon. Following a years-long struggle with his health, William J. “Billy” Schiavo, Jr., unexpectedly passed into eternal life on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at Landmark Medical Center; he was only 56 years of age.
Born in Cambridge, MA, and raised in Somerville, MA, he was the son of Nancy (Borges) Davis of Haverhill, MA, and the late William J. Schiavo, Sr.
Billy faced and overcame many challenges throughout his lifetime, yet he never let them define him. Rather, he developed many admirable life skills which, when coupled with his inspiring and ever-evident resilience, have now become his legacy. He was always a strong advocate and supporter of sobriety programs. An animal lover, he was especially fond of the canine and cockatiel species; he had an innate ability to befriend any and all dogs, including those which were deemed ‘dangerous’ by others. In one such unforgettable interaction, Billy’s intervention calmed a stray canine and quelled the fears of several residents in a populated housing complex.
A proud US Army veteran, Billy attained the rank of Pvt. E-2 in the HHC26th “Yankee” Infantry Division, where he was regarded as an exceptional soldier by his entire chain of command. Subsequent to his active duty, he became an Expert Shooter on the esteemed “Pistol Team” of the Massachusetts National Guard.
Prior to his military service, he worked in the landscaping and construction trades; his most satisfying and ‘profitable’ employment was with a Waltham-based dry cleaning establishment for it was there that he met the love of his life, Michelle (Bowlby) Schiavo, to whom he’s been married for 36 years.
Often ‘the life of the party’ when amongst family and friends and considered unique by many, he was aptly nicknamed “Three Dollar Bill”; and, as Shakespeare once said: “…the likes of him we’ll not see again.” Capiche!
Artistically and musically inclined, he loved portrait drawing, singing, dancing, and performances by an eclectic assortment of talented artists. Billy had a life-long reverence for several Hollywood legends, most notably Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. He was an avid collector of celebrity memorabilia and ‘ANYTHING Elvis’; nothing ‘Elvis’ ever left Billy’s building! His ‘Presley Passion’ led him to the establishment and success of his own eBay trading post for such purposes; it is believed, however, that he bought far more than he sold! He also enjoyed watching classic TV shows, documentaries, mobster movies, boxing, and, of course, all Massachusetts- and New England-based sports teams, especially the Patriots.
Besides his mother and wife, Billy leaves his loyal sons, Matthew, Jesse, and Nicholas Schiavo, all of Woonsocket; a brother, Richie Schiavo of Haverhill, MA; two sisters, Susan Schiavo of Millbury, MA, and Carol (husband Scott) Curcio of Haverhill, MA; many nieces and nephews; and several great friends, including Luis DeJesus and Danyel Amero. He will also be sorely missed by his cherished chihuahua, Luna, and coveted cockatiels, Elvis and Priscilla.
Services for Billy are scheduled for Sunday, November 29th at 3:00 PM at ‘V!DA’ Church, 120 Prospect Street, Woonsocket, RI. Mandated COVID-19 restrictions and protocols will be strictly observed.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Berarducci Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, 185 Spring Street, Woonsocket, located directly across from the Church. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend and encouraged to PARK IN THE FUNERAL HOME LOT.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the RISPCA, Community Care Alliance, CharterCARE Foundation, or any 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity would be appreciated.
A good Christian, honored veteran, caring son, husband, father, brother, and friend is gone too soon. Following a years-long struggle with his health, William J. “Billy” Schiavo, Jr., unexpectedly passed into eternal life on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at Landmark Medical Center; he was only 56 years of age.
Born in Cambridge, MA, and raised in Somerville, MA, he was the son of Nancy (Borges) Davis of Haverhill, MA, and the late William J. Schiavo, Sr.
Billy faced and overcame many challenges throughout his lifetime, yet he never let them define him. Rather, he developed many admirable life skills which, when coupled with his inspiring and ever-evident resilience, have now become his legacy. He was always a strong advocate and supporter of sobriety programs. An animal lover, he was especially fond of the canine and cockatiel species; he had an innate ability to befriend any and all dogs, including those which were deemed ‘dangerous’ by others. In one such unforgettable interaction, Billy’s intervention calmed a stray canine and quelled the fears of several residents in a populated housing complex.
A proud US Army veteran, Billy attained the rank of Pvt. E-2 in the HHC26th “Yankee” Infantry Division, where he was regarded as an exceptional soldier by his entire chain of command. Subsequent to his active duty, he became an Expert Shooter on the esteemed “Pistol Team” of the Massachusetts National Guard.
Prior to his military service, he worked in the landscaping and construction trades; his most satisfying and ‘profitable’ employment was with a Waltham-based dry cleaning establishment for it was there that he met the love of his life, Michelle (Bowlby) Schiavo, to whom he’s been married for 36 years.
Often ‘the life of the party’ when amongst family and friends and considered unique by many, he was aptly nicknamed “Three Dollar Bill”; and, as Shakespeare once said: “…the likes of him we’ll not see again.” Capiche!
Artistically and musically inclined, he loved portrait drawing, singing, dancing, and performances by an eclectic assortment of talented artists. Billy had a life-long reverence for several Hollywood legends, most notably Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. He was an avid collector of celebrity memorabilia and ‘ANYTHING Elvis’; nothing ‘Elvis’ ever left Billy’s building! His ‘Presley Passion’ led him to the establishment and success of his own eBay trading post for such purposes; it is believed, however, that he bought far more than he sold! He also enjoyed watching classic TV shows, documentaries, mobster movies, boxing, and, of course, all Massachusetts- and New England-based sports teams, especially the Patriots.
Besides his mother and wife, Billy leaves his loyal sons, Matthew, Jesse, and Nicholas Schiavo, all of Woonsocket; a brother, Richie Schiavo of Haverhill, MA; two sisters, Susan Schiavo of Millbury, MA, and Carol (husband Scott) Curcio of Haverhill, MA; many nieces and nephews; and several great friends, including Luis DeJesus and Danyel Amero. He will also be sorely missed by his cherished chihuahua, Luna, and coveted cockatiels, Elvis and Priscilla.
Services for Billy are scheduled for Sunday, November 29th at 3:00 PM at ‘V!DA’ Church, 120 Prospect Street, Woonsocket, RI. Mandated COVID-19 restrictions and protocols will be strictly observed.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Berarducci Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, 185 Spring Street, Woonsocket, located directly across from the Church. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend and encouraged to PARK IN THE FUNERAL HOME LOT.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the RISPCA, Community Care Alliance, CharterCARE Foundation, or any 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity would be appreciated.