LEXINGTON - Mr. William R. Greenwood Jr., 69, of Lexington, passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 11th, 2025, at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, surrounded by his loving family.
Born at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, Bill was the son of the late William and Rose (Malanowski) Greenwood. He was raised in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School.
Bill was a kind, caring, honest, and inquisitive man who approached life thoughtfully and with integrity. In his younger years, he was a self-employed, meticulous carpenter, known for his attention to detail, precision, and dependability. He built a reputation for craftsmanship and professionalism, taking pride in every project and earning the trust and respect of his clients. After surviving a battle with cancer, he re-entered the workforce as an elder caregiver and companion, forming genuine bonds with those he cared for and always ensuring they felt supported, valued, and respected. His work reflected the same dedication, patience, and integrity that had defined his career as a carpenter.
Faith in God was central to Bill’s life. He was a devoted attendee of Carlisle Congregational Church and took part in men’s prayer groups, drawing strength, guidance, and fellowship in his community. His faith informed the way he lived each day, giving him purpose, resilience, and a quiet confidence in God’s presence. Bill often reflected on the blessings in his life, and he shared his faith through acts of care, kindness, and compassion toward others.
Bill had a profound love for the natural world. From his younger years hiking, winter camping, fishing, and gardening, to later enjoying daily walks, mushrooming, and berry picking, he found peace and joy outdoors. His fascination with moths and butterflies began in childhood, when he would catch and mount them in frames. As an adult, he pursued this interest further, carefully breeding moths and butterflies and even selling some to a nearby butterfly center. Bill also had a deep appreciation for quality food and delighted in visiting his favorite restaurants, taking pleasure in the flavors and experiences with the same care he brought to everything in life. He enjoyed playing Scrabble, sometimes for hours at a time, savoring the challenge and the quiet companionship of the game.
Bill cherished his family and friends. He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend, and he consistently made a point to check in with those he loved, offering care, support, and connection. Even in the later years of his life, when he faced numerous health challenges, he maintained his relationships, continued to work, and pursued a life of purpose and meaning. He valued deep and meaningful conversations, whether with family or friends, and he listened with genuine interest and compassion. His thoughtful attention and heartfelt concern left an enduring impression on all who knew him. His loss leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who loved him, and he will be remembered always for his generous heart, his quiet compassion, and the lasting impact he made simply by being himself.
He is survived by his three sisters: Robin Bedell and her husband Jeffrey of Harvard; Jane Greenwood-Fiaschetti and her husband Anthony of Cumberland, ME; and Lori Alaimo of Townsend. He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews: Rebecca Bedell; Sarah Portuondo and her husband Joseph; Jacqui Heinrich and her fiancé Brian; Austin Heinrich and his wife Caren; Maxwell Heinrich and his fiancée Mikayla; Dana Snyder and her husband Bryce; Andrea Alaimo; and Annalise Alaimo; a great-niece, Melody Portuondo, and a great-nephew, Joseph Portuondo; three aunts: Marge Malanowski of Odessa, FL; Irene Malanowski of Phoenix, AZ; and Nancy Sue Clark and her husband David of Carmel, IN; and many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Rose Greenwood.
ARRANGEMENTS: At the request of the family, burial will be private, with a Celebration of Life service to be planned for the spring. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Bill’s memory to Compassion International www.compassion.com or Carlisle Congregational Church https://carlislecongregational.org/give/.
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