WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  

William James Judge Jr., was born in North Adams, Massachusetts, on July 24, 1935 to Fredrica Maino Judge and William James Judge Sr. Although Bill was a proud New York City native, he was born in the Berkshires because his mother was in Williamstown at her father’s farm on Henderson Road for the summer. Bill’s father was an athletic trainer for Columbia University, which sparked his lifelong love for all sports. After his father died in 1949, his family moved to Williamstown to be closer to his mother’s parents and siblings. Bill was raised surrounded by family–he, his two sisters, and cousins were in and out of each other’s houses. He graduated from Williamstown High School at age 16 in 1952, and he spent two fulfilling postgraduate years at Williston Academy.

After graduating from Williston, Bill returned home and worked a number of jobs including grounds crew at his beloved Taconic Golf Club. On October 9, 1956, the day after New York Yankee Don Larsen threw a perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the World Series, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Assigned to the 6989th Radio Squadron Mobile stationed in Misawa, Japan, Bill was also a pitcher for the station’s baseball team, which allowed him to travel around the country. He wrapped up his service at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, Massachusetts, serving in the Directorate of Intelligence Office. He was discharged from Active Duty on October 7, 1960.

Bill was proud of his service and grateful for his time in Japan where he was stationed with Doc Duffy of North Adams, Massachusetts, who would become his future brother-in-law. Back in the Berkshires, where Bill moved in with his mother, Doc introduced him to his younger sister, Marianne, who became the love of his life and his wife of 60 years. Bill and Marianne were married on July 24, 1965, Bill’s 30th birthday.

In 1963, Bill started as a bank teller at First Agricultural Bank in North Adams. He was promoted to Trust Officer and relocated to Pittsfield in 1972. Known for his integrity, compassion, and dedication to his clients, Bill was named Vice President for Trust Administration. These characteristics were also reflected in his commitment to his Williamstown community, where Bill and Marianne raised their family. As a Williamstown Little League coach for 12 years, a longtime board member of the Williamstown Recreation Committee and the Williamstown Community Chest, and a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Parish, Bill spent countless hours volunteering for his town. After 38 years with the bank, Bill retired on August 1, 2000. He was grateful for the additional time he had to spend with family, friends, and local sports teams. He cherished his days playing golf and his Monday through Friday 11 am meetings at Tunnel City, where Bill and his friends solved the world’s problems.

Family was everything to Bill, and he and Marianne felt their greatest gift was that their three children chose to raise their families in Williamstown. He was the most committed father and grandfather whose joy came from spending time with and cheering on his children, grandchildren, and their friends in their sports, performances, academics, and passions. This past summer, his family and close friends gathered at Taconic Golf Club to celebrate his 90th birthday and Bill and Marianne’s 60th anniversary.

Bill died at the age of 90 in North Adams, Massachusetts, on September 17th, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wife Marianne; his children: Colleen Martin (Tee), Kathleen Igoe (Jonathan), and Duffy Judge (Brooke); his grandchildren: M. Duffy, Thomas, Alex, Lucy, Judge, Will, Bridget, and Eve; his sister, Terry Taft; and two step-granddaughters, Ali and Kaity Martin. He loved us, and we loved him. His love, integrity, service, and values influenced and inspired so many. We are grateful that he lives on in each of us.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial to celebrate the life of Bill Judge on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Parish in Williamstown. Calling hours will be on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home -WEST Chapel 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA 01247. Donations may be made to The Williamstown Food Pantry or PopCares Inc. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.