William Thomas Chartrand

William (Bill/Billy) Thomas Chartrand, of Hanford, California, was born on February 23, 1941 to Ernest and Eva Chartrand, of Troy, NY. He was the middle child of 5 children and was doted on by his brother and sisters. Bill grew up in upstate New York, spending his teen years on a farm where he gained his strong work ethic that would carry him through his two careers. One of his high school nicknames was “Mr. Rock and Roll” and under his senior picture in his yearbook is the quote, “Boy, can he jitterbug!”

Shortly after high school, Bill joined the United States Navy, serving over 20 years and earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Some of Bill’s fondest memories are of his time in the Navy, especially his time as a navigator on the A-3 Skywarrior. He earned many lifelong friends during his time stationed stateside as well as overseas. These special friends remained in contact and often traveled the country to have reunions or to attend special events for each other. Bill remained a true patriot his entire life.

After retiring from the Navy, even though he was from the east coast, Bill decided Hanford was a nice place to raise a family and settled his family there. He enjoyed the California beaches and weather (except the 110+ days) much better than the harsh winters of New York. Bill attended College of the Sequoias, earning an AA degree. He then was hired by Sears, Roebuck and Co. and was trained in appliance repair in Los Angeles and Chicago. He enjoyed a long career with Sears as an appliance repairman. Customers and coworkers always raved about Bill’s kindness and sunny disposition.

After retiring from Sears, Bill started his own appliance repair service and continued to work well into his 70’s. Even in his 80’s, after retiring his business, Bill was still helping out friends and family with their appliances. He was always there for anyone who needed a hand.

Bill had three marriages in his lifetime. Although his first two marriages were not lifelong, he always looked at the positives – those two marriages brought him his four children. His third and final marriage to Velma (Watson) brought him the life partner he had been searching for as well as a loving local extended family. This May, they celebrated 36 years of marriage. Bill and Velma could often be found together. Whether traveling to Cambria, Europe, or just running around town – they were inseparable.

Velma was instrumental in bringing Bill to the Christian faith. While Bill had been raised to know God, he didn’t truly embrace his faith until meeting Velma. In his later years, Bill could be found most mornings reading his Bible and even spent time serving on the Diaconate for First Baptist Hanford. While Bill frequented more than one church building, he understood the importance of the Church being the people, not the building. He lived his faith every day in how he treated people and always shined his light. Knowing Bill had such strong faith is a great comfort to those mourning his loss.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Eva, a brother, Ernest “Bud” (Adelaide) Chartrand, brothers-in-law, Larry Proctor and Cliff Dunworth, and a grandson, Dalton Chartrand. He is survived by his 3 sisters, Bobbi (Larry) Proctor of Wyantskill, NY, Phyllis LaCross, of Cape Canaveral, FL, Patricia Dunworth of Poestenkill, NY, and Sister-in-law Adelaide Chartrand of West Sand Lake, NY. Bill also leaves his four children: Alahna (Jason Houk) Pacifico of Harrodsburg, KY, William Jr. “Bill/Billy” of Greenville, FL, Michael (Lori) of Kathleen, GA, and Ondria (Jason) Mello of Hanford, CA and stepsons Martin Devine of Hanford, CA and Justin Devine of Hanford, CA. Bill was blessed with a large extended family of grandchildren: Christian Beale, Frederick, Acacia and Tanner Chartrand, Alexis (Johnny) Sousa, Madison, Johnathan, and Bailey Mello, Kylie, Aiden, and Jace Devine, and great-grandchildren Jayce and Oliver Chartrand, Maverick Gutierrez, Sid Cruz, and Samuel Sousa. Bill also leaves behind many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bill received an honorable discharge from this life on October 3, 2023 in a random attack while shopping for cards for loved ones at a 99 Cent Store. He is proof that you do not have to be large in stature to have a large impact on the hearts of others.

Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation with the family at People’s Funeral Chapel of Hanford on Sunday, October 22nd from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm. Additionally, a Celebration of Life will be held in Bill’s honor at First Baptist Hanford on Monday, October 23rd at 10 am. Interment will be at Grangeville Cemetery.

For those wishing to honor Bill, please consider a gift in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or Veterans of Foreign Wars (vfw.org).