William "Bill" Mervin Bridge

William “Bill” Mervin Bridge, born on May 31, 1932, in Baltimore, MD and long-time resident of Dunstable, MA passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024, at Langdon Place, Nashua, NH. He was the beloved son of Edward Mervin and Ruth (Pierce Reynolds) Bridge. In his final days, he was surrounded by the love of his children and grandchildren.

Bill honorably served his country in the United States Navy, where he worked as a radar technician on the USS Hornet from 1952 through 1956. After his discharge from the Navy, he pursued higher education and graduated with both his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maine-Orono.

Bill dedicated 52 years of his career as an electrical engineer at Mitre Corporation in Bedford, MA. During this time, he was given the opportunity to take a leave of absence in the late 1960s to work for Lincoln Labs, and he moved his family to the Marshall Island of Kwajalein, where great family memories were made before finishing his career back at Mitre. Bill retired in April 2013, just prior to his 81st birthday.

Bill was predeceased by his cherished wife of 33 years, Maude Annette (Kinney) Bridge. He is survived by his five loving children: Eileen Bridge of Oxford, OH; Linda Cook of Dunstable, MA; Curtis Bridge and his wife Mona of Hollis, NH; Timothy Bridge and his wife Elizabeth of Derry, NH; and Craig W. Bridge and his wife Valerie of Nashua, NH.

Known to some as Grampa and others as Gpops, Bill was the proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren: John Cook of Pepperell, MA; Sarah Cook and her boyfriend Curt Brodmerkle of Rindge, NH; Holly Hoynacki and her husband James of Milford, NH; Craig C. Bridge and his fiancée Morgan Fisher of Amherst, NH; Adrianna Bridge, Zachary Bridge, and Vivienne Bridge, all of Derry, NH; Kiela Bridge and Jeremy Bridge of Nashua, NH; Heather Bridge of Ridgefield, CT; and Seth Bridge and his fiancée Kaylee Gray of Londonderry, NH. Bill also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren: Jacob, Charleigh, and Kelsey Cook; Ella Brodmerkle; Nicholas Bridge; and James and Parker Hoynacki.

In addition to his parents and wife Maude, Bill was predeceased by his brother, Seth R. Bridge, his two sisters, Ann E. (Bridge) Hathaway-Graton and Judith A. (Bridge) Lee, and his second wife of 15 years, Mary Heffernan.

Bill had a passion for the outdoors that included sailing with his family, hiking the White Mountains with his wife Maude, gardening, and driving backcountry roads across America. He was often seen with his children and grandchildren driving around town in his Miata and Model A. He loved engaging young minds with the wonder of nature, making a whistle from either a blade of grass or an acorn cap, skipping stones on the water, and instilling an appreciation for the simple beauty nature has to offer. He also enjoyed engaging with friends and family in discussions about history, religion, and politics, and tinkering with cars, motorcycles, and other mechanicals, while passing on his wisdom and insights to generations to follow.

Bill's life was a testament to dedication, love, and adventure. His shared memories will be cherished by all who loved him, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. May he rest in peace.

A private Celebration of Life will be held for family in the future. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider donating in Bill’s name to a religious or charitable organization of your choosing.

Arrangements by McGaffigan Family Funeral Home, Pepperell.