William B. Birkmaier, Jr.

obituary

William B. Birkmaier, Jr. – 79, of Wayland and formerly of Lebanon, NH and North Reading, passed away at his home on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

Bill was born on April 13, 1944. He was the son of the late William B. and Catherine (Witham) Birkmaier. He was raised in North Reading and was a graduate of North Reading High School and the U.S. Naval Academy.  He received his master’s degree in Computer Systems Management from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. Bill retired as a U.S. Navy Captain, while in the role of Chief of the NATO Headquarters Situation Center in Brussels, Belgium.  He served his country for 30 years, and was a Vietnam Veteran.

Bill enjoyed life to the fullest.  Throughout his life, he sought out new experiences and adventures, whether through travel, restaurants, music or art. He instilled in his children an appreciation for other cultures and encouraged them to try new foods, listen to new music and learn new languages.  His navy career allowed Bill, his wife and his children to travel all over the world, and to experience life in places such as Hawaii, Washington State, Germany and Belgium. He valued education and insisted his children learn as much as possible, experience many things, and find joy everywhere. He was well known for his sense of humor.  He especially loved a good “dad joke”.

He had a unique ability to care deeply about others.  He was a proxy dad to many others, and could always be relied upon to provide thoughtful and wise advice.  He had a tremendous capacity for remembering facts. Before the internet existed, one could ask him any question about science, politics or history, and he would know the answer.  He was the best and most loving father, husband and grandfather to his wife, his three children, and his 5 grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his beloved and beautiful wife of 53 years, Laura (Lebron-Lopez) Birkmaier; his son, William Birkmaier; daughters, Sherry Calderon and Cristina Birkmaier; sisters, Lori O’Rourke and Lynne Heywood; grandchildren, Skyler, Liam, Oliver, Nicolas, and Luca; daughter and son-in-law, Christelle Birkmaier and Harold Calderon; many nieces and nephews. Loving brother to Karl and Mark Birkmaier.

A public graveside service is being held at the veteran’s section of Riverside Cemetery, 171 Elm Street in North Reading, at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 30th.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in WA.  Link: plantatree.fs.usda.gov/tree-donation www.croswellfuneralhome.com

 

31 thoughts on “William B. Birkmaier, Jr.”

  2. I am so sorry to hear about Bill. We were classmates and friends at NRHS and he was always a wonderful person.

    My condolences to Laura and all of Bill’s family.

    1. Thank you Linda. Bill was very fond of his classmates. I believe there is a reunion coming up. Have fun for him!

  4. My condolences to Laura and his children.Saw him last year in Wayland.
    We were good friends back in the day. Rest in peace Billy

      1. Sorry to hear about Bill, My prayers are with all the family, Laura and family. Lori and Lynne and your families. Love and prayers, cousin Thelma

  8. From Dora Gages pre school in 1949 thru HS a great classmate and friend. Almost met with Bill a day before his passing for lunch. Very sharp in memory of Navy aircraft and a pleasure to visit with July 2022 and January 2023. Sincere condolences to Laura and entire Birkmaier family. .

    1. Thank you Frank. He had mentioned you and that’s when I found out that I was classmates with your brother Jim!

  9. Sharon Place (Yamin)
    So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a classmate of mine. My prayers are with all of you.

  10. So sorry for your loss . Will cherish the times we had meeting you and bill at Daytona beach. Marty (Martha Marston) street

  11. Sorry for your loss of Bill. Will always remember meeting you and Bill At Daytona beach several times bringing up memories of our schoool days. Martha(Marty } marston street

  12. Lori,
    We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a good friend over many years both in the Navy and after. We treasured our time with Bill and Laura in the last years that we could be together. We know that his passing has left a whole in many hearts, but we will always remember his smile and incredible personality. And for Jim a mentor in the Navy and a friend always.
    Jim and Nella Griffin

    1. Thank you so much. It is nice to hear from his friends and how much they enjoyed each other. It makes my heart full. He was a fun and amazing brother as well.

  13. I’m so sorry for your loss, Lori. This is such a handsome picture of your brother. What an extraordinary life he lived! My condolences to you and all of your brother’s loved ones.
    Annie Gleason Schnier

  14. I’m devastated to learn of Bill’s passing too late to attend his services. Spent hours at the Birkmaier house in high school, with him playing the piano and the rest of us singing. Such joyous times with his wonderful Mom and Dad and family. Bill drove us to my first concert (Hampton Beach Casino/ Sonny and Cher and later introduced me to my husband, father/grandfather of our beautiful children/grandchildren. They were classmates at the Naval Academy.

    Prayers and big hugs to all of his loved ones. We are all so fortunate to have known and loved him. XO

    1. Oh Christa, I’m sorry you missed the services. Bill was such a joyous person. I’m so glad to hear you memories of him. I was so young when you all were in high school, but I think I remember your name. Such a great time back then. Hope you and your family are well. Thank you for posting.

  15. So Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I have many fond memories of Bill from our
    years at North Reading High School. It was an honor to be invited to his retirement ceremony from the Navy. My deepest condolences to his family

    1. Thank you for sharing Reta. You all had a great high school class for sure! His retirement on the ship was amazing and bittersweet as our dad had just passed away not long before. Hope all is well with you and yours.

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