Sturbridge: William Para, 63, passed away on Thursday, April 7 ^th , in the UMass Memorial Medical at Harrington, Southbridge, after a brief illness.

He leaves his sister, Nancy J. Whittmore of Southbridge; his two brothers, Richard D. Para and his wife Teina of Sturbridge and Robert F. Para, Jr. and his wife Elvira of Westboro; and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brother, Donald A. Para.  Bill was born in Southbridge the son of the late Robert F. and Jeanne R. (Jacob) Para, Sr.

Bill was a licensed land surveyor and worked his entire career for his families' company, Para Land Surveying and Engineering Co. in Southbridge.  He played baseball for Marianhill High School and was an outstanding pitcher for the team.  He also ran cross country while at Marianhill.  He was an avid New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan.  Most of all Bill was a true outdoorsman, he loved hiking, often in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and also enjoyed outdoor photography.

A funeral service for Bill will be held on Tuesday, April 12 ^th , at 11:00am in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Southbridge.  A calling hour in the funeral home will be held on Tuesday, April 12 ^th , from 10:00 to 11:00am, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Opacum Land Trust, PO Box 233
Sturbridge, MA 01566 or to any other land trust of your choice.