William R. Yelinek

William R. Yelinek of Monson, passed away after a prolonged illness on January 29, 2023, with family at his side. Born in Westfield to Bill and Molly Yelinek, he was predeceased by his parents, son Bill Jr., daughter Sarah Rogers, and sister Jean Wojcek. He retired from the City of Springfield Fire Department. Bill joined the US Navy Submarine Service and served on the USS Clamagore, SS-343, as an engineer. He often told of his boat hitting an iceberg while submerged in the North Sea. He later served for many years in the Air National Guard at Barnes airport as a firefighter. Proud of his paternal Bohemian heritage, he developed a strong work ethic, but he got his stubbornness from his Irish mother. Mr. Bill, as he was fondly called by friends and family, had a life-long passion for drum corps. As a young man he played trumpet with Whip City and Liberty Drum Corps in Westfield. Later in life he joined his son Richard and competed with the Connecticut Hurricanes playing contra. He also played with the Legends Alumni on baritone, and helped start, play, and manage the Marksmen Alumni. He and Linda spent many vacations on Sanibel Island making special memories, and at Clamagore reunions catching up with other patriots. Together, they built their home in Monson and rehabbed the “Palatial Country Estate II” on Baker Pond in Barton, Vermont, where he and family spent countless hours kayaking, hiking, watching the loons, enjoying the wildlife and the solitude. In the summer Bill could be seen driving his red Miata convertible, often stopping to have coffee with his friend Kim and the staff at New Valley Bank. He was a member of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.- Bay State West Base (past commander) and the Clamagore Veterans Association. A gentleman and a gentle man, Mr. Bill leaves the love of his life and wife of 37 years, Linda (“the smartest person he ever knew”); his talented son, Richard (Michelle); special granddaughter, Shannon, of whom he was so proud, bonus son, Mark Rogers, and extended family. His pups, Archie and Smokey, miss him. Linda would like to thank the staff on the intermediate care unit at Baystate Wing Hospital, especially Karen, Laurie, and Jose. Burial with Military Honors will be held at the Agawam Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery on Friday, April 21st at 2pm, following Sarah’s interment at Agawam Center Cemetery at 1:15pm.

William R. Yelinek

January 29, 2023

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William R. Yelinek

January 29, 2023

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