William D. Bronski
William Bronski, 77, formerly of Dorchester died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy and courageous battle with a terminal illness. William was a retired Boston Latin teacher, his love of travel and adventure enabled him to teach in China, he had a grand sense of humor and was a great storyteller, also an avid reader who gladly shared his books with all. William was also a Navy Veteran and a 1956 graduate of Boston College. Loving father of Kenan and his wife Kristin, Jared and his wife Sue, Nicole Shamlian and her husband Doug and Matthew and his wife Erin. He is also survived by his siblings Al Bronske, Florence Carr, six cherished grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Richard Bronske, Isabel Kennedy, Emily Shannon and Robert Bronski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Ann’s Church, 243 Neponset Ave., Dorchester on Thursday at 10 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, Dorchester, Lower Mills, on Wednesday from 4-8 P.M. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers a donation in William’s name may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Office of Patient & Family Assistance, 10 Brookline Place, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445.
Guestbook Entries
My dear Uncle Billy was like a jolly older brother to myself, my brother Bill and Rick when we were young. That role included our cousins Maureen and Claire. After my father died he became a parental role. In the last years, for me, he was a companion and confident. He loved my Mother very much. I will miss Uncle Billy and will be grateful for all he gave to me. One of my last memories of him is reciting over the phone the entire poem “The little toy soldier is red from rust … but time was when ..he kissed him and put him there…
The world has lost a kind, generous, and loving man – not to mention one funny you-know-what!
The Boston Latin School and her thousands of students you impacted with your erudition, wisdom, and grace will always remember and be thankful to you, Mr. Bronski.
Please know that I couldn’t have asked for a better 10th grade, Geometry Summer School Master! Because of you, I had the highest average in the class. I, who had failed 4 terms with Wellings!! You showed me what I was capable of accomplishing with a little support and encouragement. Thank you, Mr. Bronski.
Requiescas in pacem.
Love,
Sherry M. Lewis-da Ponte
BLS ’88
Mr. Bronski,
You were my favorite teacher at BLS. Your wit made class fun and entertaining. Your wisdom helped me grow up to be a good man. Thank you. May you rest in peace.
With deepest sadness,
Peter W. Chan
BLS ’86
Kenan and Kristin, my trips to Marshfield will never be the same, without Bill’s presence. His stories, wonderful sense of humor, and his care and concern about his family were always very evident. You were all so lucky to have such a special Dad, and myself so fortunate to know him as a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Peace, Billie
I just want to say that Mr Bronski was a great teacher and a better guy. He always taught with passion and undrestanding . He will always be one on my favorites. Thanks for all you did Bill Killeen Class 0f 84
dear billy, i still remember how special it was when you and bobby reardon would stop in to see my mom and dad, evelyn and buddy o’brien, my sisters and i all had crushes on you…in your navy whites!! rest in peace
I fondly remember Mr. B as an inspiring, informative, encouraging, cheerful man. I loved his English class and he remains my fondest teacher at Latin. I think of him from time to time. I miss him. When you have such a passion for teaching as he did, you leave a lasting memory. Impactful teaching at it’s best. Rest in peace kind sir. “Persons with any weight of character carry, like planets, their atmospheres along with them in their orbits.”
― Thomas Hardy, The Return of the Native