WEST SPRINGFIELD - William J. Powers, 88, died Friday in Baystate Medical Center. He was born in Springfield and graduated from Commerce High School in 1948. William was a Navy veteran of the Korean War.  He married his wife, Theresa on June 26, 1954 and they were happily married for 64 years.  Throughout his life, Bill accomplished many things.  He was a former K of C Council #2212 member and a former member of the West Springfield Soccer Association.  He owned and operated, with his wife, FabriCare in Hazardville, CT in the 1960's and 70's.  He was also employed by Revco, Simon Container, and also Turcotte Manufacturing in the years to come.  He retired in 2004 as a Quality Assurance Inspector from Advance Manufacturing in Westfield, MA.

Beginning in the early 60's, he shared his love of local auto racing, mainly at Riverside Park, where he supported his nephew Matt Powers and their team, then eventually racing with his sons until the park closed in the late 90's.  As his sons got older, many life lessons were learned as Bill shared his love of rebuilding cars.

During Operation Desert Storm, he and his wife Theresa, worked as USO Volunteers, helping greet the troops moving through Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee.  In his retirement he enjoyed frequent trips to Cape Cod, South Yarmouth in particular, where he spent time his wife, enjoying the beach, wonderful food and just time being with his family.

Bill leaves his two sons, Jim Powers and his wife Lisa of West Springfield, MA, and John Powers also of West Springfield, MA.  He also leaves two grandchildren, Caitlin Powers and Connor Powers.   His wonderful wife Theresa (Gagnon) Powers died in January 2018. He was predeceased by his brother Matthew Powers, his sisters Mary O'Leary and Ann Taylor.  He will be missed by his family, friends and especially the amazing people at The Cup in West Springfield.  A committal service will be held in the chapel of the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery on Tuesday at 2pm. West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information please go to curranjones.com. The family would like to thank the outstanding staff of Baystate Medical for his care and the West Springfield Senior Center for their Meals on Wheels Program.  In lieu of flowers please send memorial contribution in his name to the Friends of West Springfield Senior Center, Inc. for the Meals on Wheels Program, 128 Park Street, West Springfield, MA 01089