William “Bill” Tremble, Sr.

Pittsfield, MA & Brewer, ME - 

On October 29, 2025, the world grew quieter as William “Bill” Tremble, Sr., 65, took his final bow- leaving behind a legacy defined by love, courage, loyalty, and unwavering strength.

Bill was born on November 19, 1959, in Willingboro, New Jersey, to the late Carolyn A. (Tardiff) Tremble and John E. Tremble. At ten years old, he moved with his family to Brewer, Maine, a place that quickly became his true home in spirit. Bill graduated from Brewer High School in 1978, where he proudly served as co-captain of the football team and formed lifelong friendships that became like family.

He continued his education at the University of Maine, earning a degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Accounting in 1982. Bill was a proud member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, serving first as treasurer and later as president- often joking that fraternity life was similar to the movie Animal House.

After college, Bill moved to Syracuse, New York, where he met the love of his life, Kathleen Martino. They married in 1987. Bill began his career with GE Aerospace, where he worked as a Specialist Program Controller. His work contributed to significant defense and aerospace programs, including over-the-horizon radar systems, submarine sonar, flight simulators, satellite systems, infrared technology for the F-15, missile fire control systems, and Phalanx CIWS.

During an assignment in Saudi Arabia, his team faced a missile attack intended to halt radar installation. Bill immediately protected his team by sealing potential entry points in his living quarters. No matter the risk, he accepted every assignment with one goal- to provide for his family and prepare for the challenges that Multiple Sclerosis would bring.

Bill later transferred to GE Plastics in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he worked as an auditor, handling investigative, financial, engineering, and government compliance matters, including whistle-blowing work. His career took him to six continents and forty-three countries, and he often joked that he became “a jack-of-all-trades and master of none.” He retired in 2004 due to complications from MS.

Retirement did not slow him down. Bill became a self-taught artist, painting New England landscapes- especially scenes of Maine. He also wrote eighteen fictional novels and two children’s books, drawing from his imagination and life experiences. “Life,” he would say, “was the best teacher.”

More than anything he accomplished, Bill’s greatest joy was his family. He treasured summer vacations in Maine, quiet days sitting on the deck listening to music, and time spent hunting with his dad, uncles, and brother. Some of his happiest moments were spent gathered around the table with family, sharing memories, telling stories, and simply enjoying being together. He loved all the titles he carried, but his favorite title of all was “Grampie.” He was the best storyteller- animated, creative, and unforgettable.

Bill believed that life was not simply about existing but about embracing every moment. A dreamer and a doer, he moved through the world with kindness. He lifted others up, always saw the best in people, and left every person better than he found them. He reminded us that life’s magic is found in the simplest moments, and that real love is measured in presence, laughter, and connection.

Bill was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 24, yet he lived a full, rich life- refusing to allow the disease to define him. His perseverance and strength were unmatched. His story lives on in every painting, every story, every memory, every laugh, and every life he touched. We will carry his strength, his humor, and his love into the world. We will honor him by living as he did- with purpose, with gratitude, and with our hearts wide open.

Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife, Kathleen Tremble; his parents, Carolyn A. Tremble and John E. Tremble; and his sister, Patrice Tremble. He leaves behind his four children, whom he cherished beyond measure: William Tremble, Jr., Jennifer Hood (Christopher Wooliver), Robert Tremble, and Steven Tremble. He leaves behind his greatest blessings- his grandchildren: Jack Hood, Avielle Tremble, Lilian Tremble, and Cameron Tremble. Bill is also survived by his best friend and brother, John E. Tremble (Janet Puchino), along with many sisters and brother-in-laws, aunts, and numerous cousins who held a special place in his heart.

In place of flowers, please consider supporting an organization meaningful to Bill’s journey, HospiceCare in the Berkshires.

The family wishes to thank the incredible and compassionate staff at HospiceCare in the Berkshires for making it possible for Bill to remain at home comfortably, surrounded by the family he loved. Special thanks to his infectious disease physicians, the many nurses and aides, and his caregivers, Cathy Crockett and Patrice Maynard, who all cared for Bill with dignity and tenderness throughout his illness.

A collection of his artwork, a true reflection of his talent and spirit, can be viewed at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/william-tremble.

Family and friends may visit 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Servcice, 69 State St., Brewer, Maine where a funeral liturgy and service honoring William's life will be held at 1:00 PM as the visitation concludes. Burial will be immediately afterward at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor. Messages and memories of William may be share with his family on the tribute wall of kileyandfoley.com.