William Robert Mugford, Jr.

MIDDLETON - William “Bill” Mugford, Jr. passed away peacefully on May 19th, 2023. Bill was born in Boston in 1936 and was the son of William and Dorothy (Butler) Mugford.  Raised in Middleton, MA, Bill became a familiar face to many due to his community involvement throughout his life. Bill served as a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, police commissioner, a three-term selectman, and worked for the town's department of public works retiring at age 66.  He was proud of his public service and spoke fondly of these memories.

In addition to his public service, Bill was most proud of his military service. At seventeen years old, Bill joined the Army National Guard, then enlisted in the Air Force in 1955-1962, and then rejoined the Army Reserve in 1975. He served in the Korean War, Vietnam, and in Desert Storm. As he was in his 50s during his time in Desert Storm, his unit affectionately referred to him as the "Old Sarge (Sergeant)." Bill was also a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and was presented an award for 50 years of service in September 2022. 

Bill was involved, and developed many lifelong friendships, through his memberships in many clubs, committees, and associations which included the North Shore Radio Association, Antique Tractor Association, Mason Amity Lodge, Odd Fellows Kearsarge Lodge, Danvers Fish & Game, Rowley Grange, the Middleton Historical Society-- just to name a few.  Bill enjoyed traveling, especially on cruise ships, having been on the Queen Mary II, the Queen Elizabeth, and other cruise ships visiting to Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and the Alaskan glaciers. He also loved trains, lighthouses, dancing, and tractors. 

Bill is survived by his brother, Peter Mugford and his wife, Nancy Mugford of Hamilton, MA, his nephew, Peter Mugford Jr and his wife, Jade Mugford and their children, Pierce and Lilia Mugford of Wenham, MA.  He was affectionately referred to as "Uncle Bill" by his family and extended family. He is preceded in death by his brother, Richard Mugford. There was never a day in which he did not make sure to call and check in with his family. He will be missed by all who knew him. 

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service which will be held at the Middleton Congregational Church, 66 Maple St, Middleton, MA on Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 at 11 A.M. Burial in Oakdale Cemetery, 82 Maple St, Middleton. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS from 8:30 to 10:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka KS 66675-8516. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Robert Mugford, Jr., please visit our floral store.