William M Hinchey

William (Bill) Michael Hinchey, age 84, of Athol-Royalston, passed away Friday, April 15th, 2022, in Royalston, after a long battle with cancer. He was the husband of the late Virginia F. (Gray) Hinchey. Bill is also predeceased by his son, Patrick Hinchey and two sisters, Ann McCann and Mary Margaret Leonard. He leaves his five children, Joe Hinchey and his wife Jessica of W. Hartford, CT, James “Jim” Hinchey and his wife Sherri of Norwell, Annie DeCosta and her husband Gilly of Royalston, Matthew Hinchey and his wife Melissa of Webster and Paul Hinchey and his wife Jennifer of Huntington Station, NY; 12 grandchildren, Virginia, Aislin, Alana, Aurora, Maizy, Charlotte, Nola, Ava, Aidan, Emma, Patrick and Ophelia. Bill was born in Troy, NY, to Paul and Margaret Hinchey on April 1st, 1938. He served in the US Army before graduating from Sienna College. Following a stint in Ohio where he studied zoology at the University of Dayton, he moved to California where he would meet his wife, and love of his life, the late Virginia Hinchey. Together they started a family, eventually relocating to Athol 36 years ago, where they raised their six children. A devout Christian, Bill devoted his personal and professional life to supporting and advocating for those in need. He worked for Greater Athol Area Advocates for Families with Special Needs (GAAFSN) for several decades, helping adults with disabilities receive essential services and maintain their independence. Bill’s son, Patrick, was born with severe disabilities affecting his cognitive and physical development. Bill and Patrick had a special bond and were best friends. Together they enjoyed fishing, going to the movies, and eating exotic cuisines before Patrick’s passing in 2014. Bill and Virginia raised their six kids to be caring, well-rounded individuals with a deep love for learning and helping others. Of Bill’s five living children, three work as health care professionals, one is an information technology specialist, and one is a public-school administrator. Throughout the course of his long and richly textured life Bill has been many things to many people. He was an educator, scientist, spiritual leader, craftsman, housepainter, a friend to anyone in need of friendship, and a minister to the disabled, the poor, and the socially marginalized. He will be most remembered by his family and friends for his sharp, dry sense of humor, his wisdom and passion for knowledge, and his faith in God and selfless charity. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Noon in the Silverlake Cemetery, Athol, MA. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. in the Fiske Murphy and Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange, MA 01368. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Salvation Army. To leave an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor and Douglas M. Stone, funeral directors.