Westfield, MA- William Edward Hoar, 79, died on Sunday, May 10, 2015 at his home in Westfield. William was born in Winchendon, MA on November 18, 1935 to Richard and Elloine (Woodward) Hoar. He attended Newbury High School and then joined the US Air Force, serving for four years prior to his honorable discharge in 1958. On November 27, 1959, he married Christine Kaiser in Wells River, VT. William attended the Vermont Technical College, and SUNY Albany obtaining degrees in electrical engineering and business. For thirty years, William worked for General Electric in a variety of capacities, including as an electrical engineer and in management. Along with Christine, he lived for 33 years in Holliston, MA. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, hiking, snowmobiling, and outdoor activities. He will be remembered for ending his conversations by saying, "Keep smiling." William was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Wheeler. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Christine Kaiser of Westfield; a daughter, Carol O'Connor and husband John of Granby, CT; a son, Phil Hoar and wife Julie of Shaftsbury, VT; granddaughters, Shannon O'Connor, Caitlin O'Connor and Kelsey Hoar; a grandson, Devon Hoar; and his brother, Doug Hoar and wife Cheryl of Williston, VT. There will be no calling hours. A funeral service will be on Friday, May 15 at 5 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. Burial will follow in the Oxbow Cemetery, Newbury, VT. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association MA/NH Chapter, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472