William J. Bransfield

Mr. William J. Bransfield passed away on St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday March 17, 2013 surrounded by his loving family after a long illness. Bill (Bumps) Bransfield was a loving husband to Barbara L. (Cryan) Bransfield, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.

William was born and raised in Lynn, son of the late William and Helen (Rich) Bransfield. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s Boys High School, Class of 1943. He was a member of the Chicago Five, the championship St. Mary’s Boys High School basketball team that traveled to Chicago by train in 1941. He was the last survivor of this team.

After High School, he immediately entered the U.S. Navy V-12 program and attended Middlebury and Dartmouth College. Mr. Bransfield became a commissioned officer in 1944 and served in the Pacific. He rose through the ranks in the Navy Reserve and retired with the rank of Captain.

After military service, he received a B.A. from St. Michael’s College and an M.Ed from Salem State College. He participated in graduate studies at Boston College, Boston College Law School, Fitchburg State College and many naval programs.

In 1950 Mr. Bransfield joined the Lynn School Department. As a licensed practicing psychologist, he served as head of Psychological Services. He retired after more than 35 years of service.

Bill was active in youth and high school sports, was a former basketball coach at St. Mary’s Boys High School, and was a founder of the St. Mary’s Booster Club and Lynn Youth Hockey. Bill was also active in Our Lady of Assumption Church, Lynnfield.

As a boy, he caddied at Happy Valley Golf Course and worked for Larry “Spike” Gannon in the pro shop. He enjoyed golf at Golden Gate Country Club, Naples and Dennis Pines and The Highlands on Cape Cod.

In addition to his loving wife he is survived by his four sons and a daughter, Kevin and his partner, Lucy of Topsfield, Keith and his wife, Maryann, of Lynn, Karen Picone of Peabody, Kirk and his wife, Catherine, and Kenneth and his wife, Dorine, all of Lynn. His twelve grandchildren are: James and his wife, Melissa, Robert, Timothy, Michael and his wife, Colleen, Kevin and his fiancé, Sandy, Bryant, Michaella, David, Ethan, Liam, Eric and Alexandra. Bill is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Mary L. Callahan.

Mr. Bransfield’s Funeral will be from the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St, Lynn on Saturday at 10:00AM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Assumption Church, Lynnfield at 11:00AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Friday from 3-7PM. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Lynn. Gifts in his memory may be sent to the charity of one’s choice.