William J. Copson
William J. Copson of Lake Alfred Florida passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2020 after a lingering illness with his loving wife and daughter by his side. Born in Nashua NH in 1943, he graduated from Nashua High School in 1962. He served in the US Airforce from 1963-1966. After attending Basic Training @ Lackland AFB he served in Okinawa Japan. Following his Honorable discharge, he continued to serve as a member of the NH Army National Guard until 1978 & then again from June of 1983 until 1985. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Nashua NH for a number of years. He began his civilian career with Sanders Associates (BAE systems) for many years before joining Esterline (which began as Hollis Engineering), as a technician in the wave soldering division. He traveled extensively in the New England area as well as to Japan, Singapore, China, Korea, Australia and Czechoslovakia servicing and training wave soldering with many electronics companies. He also worked for Hitchiner Mfg and for Dartmouth Hitchcock prior to his retirement in 2008. He & his wife Judy loved to travel, frequenting Old Orchard Beach Maine with their children and then later to the Caribbean, Washington DC, Virginia Beach VA, California, New Orleans Louisiana & Cape Cod MA. During the last 14 years they spent their early spring vacation weeks in Aruba, making many friends & enjoying all the Island had to offer…they considered it their “home away from home”. They also enjoyed Foxwoods & Mohegan Sun Casinos with their friends.
After their marriage in 1980, he lived in the Crown Hill area of Nashua before moving to “Little Florida” and remained there for 33 years. Last summer he got the chance to visit his old neighborhood & enjoyed the time with everyone. They all put a smile on his face! In September of 2018 he & his wife bought their retirement home in Lake Alfred Florida, where they made many new friends & enjoyed the simple & peaceful life of retirement.
He loved keeping busy by landscaping his beautiful backyard, as well as helping neighbors and friends painting, staining, plowing and enjoying the monthly Friday night Poker games with his buddies. Bill, Judy and many couples remained close by sharing dinners, cookouts, and just relaxing for over 40 years…right up until his last days they kept in close touch playing cards on Sunday night filling the room with laughter, smiles, warmth, comfort and love.
He was predeceased by his parents, William A. and Gertrude T. Copson, his brother Robert Copson, in-laws Raymond E. and Yvette I. Marcoux, and brother in law Russell R. Marcoux.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Judith Ann (Marcoux) Copson of Florida, his daughter, Susan T. St. Onge of Maryland, Matthew R. Copson and significant other Carly Matthews of Ohio, and Dave Copson of Nashua NH & his former son in law Raymond St. Onge also of Maryland. 5 Grandchildren, Zachary William Boucher and Courana Raye St. Onge of Maryland, Jade Rayne, Violet Aurora, and Ash “William” (after his “Gampy”) Copson all of Ohio, as well as 1 great grandson, Aiden Rafael Boucher of Maryland. Two sisters in law, Patricia Copson of Derry NH and Jeanne Claveau Marcoux of Litchfield NH, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and a niece Julia Marcoux Doty. He enjoyed celebrating many Holidays with Julia and her family of Bedford NH.
Following cremation, he will be laid to rest at a later date at the convenience of the family at the New
Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.
The family wishes to thank Drs. Hlalah, Bhutiani and Guerrier for their care, as well as Cornerstone Hospice nurses Amanda and Casey, Home Health Care Giver Theresa along with his CNA’s Courtney and Latoya who showed exceptional, compassionate care to Bill, and supported Judy, Sue, Matt and Bill through his journey.
For those who may want to make a donation, the family wishes you remember Cornerstone Hospice 2140 E. County Road 540A Lakeland, FL 33813.