William J. Wilkes – 91, of Derry, NH and formerly of North Reading, died Friday afternoon, April 21, 2017 at Aurora Senior Living in Derry, NH, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Boston, MA on April 3, 1926.  He was the son of the late William and Katherine (Murphy) Wilkes.  He was raised and attended school in Brookline and was a graduate of Brookline High School.

William was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Judith A. (Davis) Wilkes of Derry, NH, his grandson, Parker Wilkes and his granddaughter, Angela Cataldi. He was the brother of the late Frances Wilkes and the late Eileen (Wilkes) Allen.

William is survived by his son and daughter in law, Stephen & Mary Wilkes of  Derry, NH, daughter, Patricia Goodwin of Londonderry, NH, daughter, Alison Comeau of Londonderry, NH, daughter,  Lynne Sullivan of Methuen, son a n d  daughter in law,  Paul & Heidi Wilkes, of Raeford, NC and daughter Paula Brougham of  Derry, NH. Also  survived by 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

William served in the U.S. Army and was a World War II Veteran of the Pacific War.

He loved playing cribbage, softball and candlepin bowling. He worked for the town of Brookline and also worked at Candlepin Lanes in North Reading for many years. He was a resident of North Reading for over 50 years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus of  North Reading. He has been a resident of Derry, NH for the past 14 years.

The family would like to thank the staff at Aurora Senior Living and Hospice for their care and support of William in his final days. Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading is in charge of arrangements. Graveside services will be held at a later date in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations made be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. www.CroswellFuneralHome.com