William "Bill" Astley of Holyoke passed away on October 17, 2023 at Holyoke Medical Center.

William was born on July 27, 1937, in Holyoke, MA to the late Robert F. Astley (1978) and Clara (Ittner) Astley (1978). After graduating from South Hadley High School in 1955, he worked several jobs before becoming a Customer Service Technician for the South Hadley Electric Light Department, from which he retired after 32 years. Bill loved driving around town and chatting with customers and was proud to be known as the "nice old guy." A 50-year Master Mason with the Massachusetts Freemasons, he spent many years as an organ player for the South Hadley Mount Holyoke Lodge. He had a large social circle in town and was an active member of the Redcliffe Canoe Club for many years. Wherever he went, we would meet or make a friend. Bill enjoyed car and boat racing, fishing, steam engine and air shows, and music, and was an avid fan of UConn Women's Basketball. Bill's grandchildren, nieces, and nephews were the light of his life.

Bill is predeceased by his brother Robert (1997) and his sisters Frances Galloway (1993) and Evelyn McManus (2007). He is survived by his daughter, Kyla Astley, her husband, Andrew Milmore, and their two children; his stepdaughter Amie Jones; and many cherished nieces and nephews. A memorial gathering for William will be held on Saturday, November 25th, 11am at the Redcliff Canoe Club: 77 Canal Street, South Hadley. Family and friends are invited to come together to remember and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill's name to the Connecticut River Conservancy.