William J. Maley, 81, died Saturday evening, July 18, 2009 at Mt. Ascutney hospital following a period of failing health.

He was born in Newport, NH, on October 23, 1927 the son of Edward J. and Lydia (Alexander) Maley.  He attended schools in Newport, graduating from Towle High School in June, 1945.  He enlisted into the US Naval Service almost immediately after graduation and was sent to US Naval Training Station at Sampson, NY for ten weeks.  He was assigned to the USS Bronstein, Destroyer Escort 189 which was a battle worn veteran in the Atlantic Ocean.  The DE 189 sunk four German submarines, two of which were sunk in the same day, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor. 

He attended the University of New Hampshire.  He received a bachelors degree of education at Plymouth State University, his masters degree from Boston University and his PHD specializing in administration at the University of Nebraska.    

He taught history and business courses and served as school superintendent in several New Hampshire school districts and was involved in school management in several New England States.  He held the position of financial administrator for the New Hampshire branch of the National Education Association for seven years and also contributed time during the beginning stages of the state’s teacher retirement program.  He initiated the Rockingham County Community Action Program in the Brentwood, Exeter area.  He was a life long member of the Brewster-Guild-Lee Post # 25 of Newport, NH.  He was also a member of the Council for Better Schools.  He belonged to the Rotary Club in Berlin, NH and served as the Vice President.  He loved football and opera music.  Bill and his nephew Don Thompson attended many football games in and out of the state as well as watching sports on TV.  Together they both volunteered many hours at the Shrine Games in Hanover, NH.  For the last 30 years he has operated the seasonal “Bill’s Christmas Tree” Plantation on Thrasher Road in Claremont.  Bill was substitute teaching for Lebanon and Springfield High Schools through the end of this school year.

He is survived by his devoted wife Rose (Pesarik) Maley of 55 years.  He is also survived by two sisters in law, Ruth (Pesarik) Thompson of Claremont and Theresa (Wheeler) Pesarik of Portsmouth, and many nieces and nephews.  He was very interested and proud of their education and success and enjoyed all the times they were able to spend together.  He was also survived by his two cats, Gypsy and Pinkey.

He will be fondly missed and remembered by his devoted wife and family as a fun loving person.

Friends may call at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street on Wednesday evening July 22^rd from 6 to 8 PM.  A prayer service will be held at 8 PM with Father Shawn Therrien officiating.  Interment will be held in Mountain View Cemetery with full military honors at a later date.