William L Newell

William L. Newell, 73, son of Ronald and May Newell , Newport, N.H. peacefully passed away Jan. 29 at Applewood Nursing home and is no longer in the pain he suffered for so long.  During many years in Winchester, N.H.  Billy was lovingly cared for by his best friends Rodney and Lynn Ebbighausen and family who lived nearby.  Our family THANKS them for the care they gave and the unconditional love they bestowed on Billy when Billy needed it so!  TRUE FRIENDS—RARELY SEEN!!   Brother Jim and family were also always there for him for anything he needed no matter what it was!                                                                                                                           

William (Billy) was born in and grew up in Newport, N.H. attending Newport schools, graduating from Towle High.  He loved the Lake Sunapee area, boating etc. A favorite pastime of Billy was attending the many family cookouts and “get-togethers.”  He was the life of these events and really happy when he could “get his older brothers (Jimmy & Junior) goats” playing horseshoes etc.  Antagonizing his sisters was another specialty of his! And was he good at it!!  Around town he was known as “The Human Calculator”. Working at the local Shop-Rite he would mentally add up the cost of each item as it was keyed into the register and announce the total before the clerk could read it to the customer, to their amazement! He often was accused of talking too fast to which he would answer—“I don’t talk too fast.  You listen too slow!!  Because of his talent with numbers he was employed for years by the State of N.H. at the Hinsdale Dog Track working with odds,,audits etc.  Billy was unique in many ways! He worked for a  Computer Company in Michigan as a driver along with three of his nephews.(Phil, Chris, Bruce)  There he  would show up dressed in a real nice suitcoat, shirt and tie to make his deliveries to Ford Motor Co. etc.  His nephews would tease him saying “you’re “JUST A DRIVER” to which he responded “I like to look nice for the customers-NOT LIKE YOU SLOBS!” Who could argue??  An example of Billy’s deep feelings was his dedication to the Newport Rec. Center and “Meals on Wheels” also in Newport.  His elderly “customers” loved his positive attitude and “dry wit” and the respect he showed each one of them. At random times he would show up at their door dressed in a Superman costume.  How the “old folks” loved him! Billy was an avid fan of the Patriots, Red Sox and Keene Swamp Bats and knew all of the statistics etc. You did not argue statistics with Billy! He had many nieces, nephews etc. that he loved to roughhouse with and was known for “slipping them a dollar or “ten spot” when no one was watching! How he loved to do that!! He was “one of a kind” and is greatly missed!! We wonder how the Angels will like the “Superman Suit?

Billy was predeceased by his dad Ronald Newell, his mom May Newell, two of his older brothers, Ronald (aka Junior), Richard (aka Dickie) and older sister Janet.  Billy is survived by older sister Joyce Glazier, older brother James (aka Jimmie) Newell and younger sister Joni Salamon, all  residing  in Newport.

There will be a remembrance of Billy at The Newton Bartlett Funeral Home, Main St, Newport, N.H. from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. on Feb 17.  Bring favorite stories and photos for all to share!  In lieu of flowers and cards please consider donating to the Senior Citizens “Meals on Wheels” program in Newport.  A collection box will be available. “Billy will know” and THANK YOU!!   Graveside services may be held in the Spring.  Billy was a Good Man and a Great Brother!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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