William “Bill” Matthew Tucker, 79, a lifelong resident of Keene, passed away peacefully while resting on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, after a brief illness.
He was born a son to the late Cecilia (Marrotte) and Aubrey Tucker on February 19, 1945, in Keene. Bill was educated locally and graduated from Keene High School class of 1963.
After graduating, William joined the family business at Tucker’s Power Equipment, which his father started in 1929. He owned and operated the business for 42 years starting in 1963 until he retired in 2015.
On June 24, 1967, William exchanged vows with his high school sweetheart, Lynda L. Papenfuse. They had a simple service at the United Church of Christ in Keene.
Bill was a Street Rod enthusiast, building and restoring classic cars, especially his 1934 Ford Street Rod. He enjoyed the weekly cruise nights and car shows with his friends. He also enjoyed the time he spent at Spofford Lake riding his lawn tractor, moving dirt from here to there, and maintaining his properties. He was always offering his advice and opinions whether you wanted it or not! Most of all he loved his family. He was a member of the Bektash, Shriners, and Jerusalem Lodge #104.
Mr. Tucker is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lynda Tucker of Keene, their son Matthew W. Tucker and his wife, Marianne of Keene, brother and sister-in-law, David and Sue Papenfuse of Florida. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Mackenzie Donahue and her husband Jake of Keene, Gabryelle Tucker of Jamacia Plain, MA., Maxwell Tucker of Keene, and LilyMarie Tucker of Loudon, a great-grandson, Levi Donahue. Along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. William was predeceased by his parents, his sister Audrey Starkey who passed in 2023, brother brother-in-law, Russell O Starkey who passed in 2017, and his son Jeffrey A. Tucker who passed away on August 7, 2011.
Per Bill’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours, although a private burial will take place. There will be a public gathering planned for this summer in celebration of Bill’s life. A cruise night event will also occur in his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Springfield, MA. .
All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
