William P. "Willie" Zani

Athol – William P. (Willie) Zani, 60, of Athol passed away at the Quabbin Valley Healthcare on September 26, 2015 after more than a decade long courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. William was born in Winchendon, MA on December 17, 1954 and attended Mahar Regional High School. He owned and operated the former Exxon Station in Orange for several years before joining Apple Computer in their distribution center. William worked for Hamshaw Lumber in Orange for a few years before joining the Garelick Farms Company as a New England Sales Agent until his early retirement in 2004 due to the onset of multiple sclerosis. Willie battled his disease with dignity and embraced all opportunities of clinical trials offered by the MS Clinic at UMASS Memorial. Willie enjoyed camping with his parents and niece and nephew as well as traveling throughout the United States. His most memorable place was the Grand Canyon and Painted Desert and he made the trip multiple times. He leaves behind his mother, Amanda Zani of Orange, his brother, Joseph Zani and his wife Connie of Phillipston and his sister, Toni Gregoire and her husband Dennis of Athol. A nephew, Michael Zani and his wife, Rachael of Orange, his niece Rachel Burke and her husband, Daniel of Athol and 5 great nieces, Isabella and Julia Zani and Ava, Leah and Emma Burke. William was predeceased by his father, Ernest Zani in 2009. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange, MA from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 and 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2015. Funeral services will be held for William at the Funeral Home on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at 11 a.m. His burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please honor Willie’s memory with contributions to the UMASS Memorial Multiple Sclerosis Center - Room H1.463, 55 Lake Ave North, Worcester, MA 01655.