William James McNamara

William James McNamara passed away suddenly on November 16, 2022. William (Bill) is survived by his wife of 15 years Diane, his sons Kevin (Brianne), and Donald (Kate), his stepchildren Alicia (James), Matthew, and Angela (Carl); his grandchildren Ava Rayanne, Liam Donald, Izabel Sa’Shae, Finnegan Stanley, Benjamin Michael, Ryder Marie, his sister Helen Menge (Jim), nieces Debra Van Deusen (Eric) and Diane Quintana (Mario), nephew Jimmy Menge and a plethora of family and close friends who were like his family as well. 

Bill, originally from Amsterdam, New York, came to Smithfield by way of Connecticut 20 years ago. He was an active and long standing member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Smithfield, where he served as an usher and former president of the men’s club. He retired from Electric Boat in 2007. He then spent most of his time traveling with Diane, on the golf course with his friends, in his garden fighting with the squirrels, and playing with his grandchildren. 

Those who knew Bill knew he was exceptionally kind, outspoken, determined, and generous to a fault. He loved a good glass of wine, a funny joke or prank (especially on himself and even more especially on his wife), good conversation with his friends, traveling and camping, and a winning round of golf followed by a trip to the 19th hole. 

Bill was a friend to anyone he met and never knew a stranger. His family will miss his constant love, support, and Irish tenacity. We hope he is remembered for all the love and joy he brought to others. A celebration of his life will be held at Little’s Funeral Home in Smithfield, VA on Monday November 21, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. His family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:30-6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to the National Parks Foundation online, by phone 1-888-GOPARKS, or mail at National Park Foundation Attn: Gift Processing P.O. Box 17394 Baltimore, MD 21298-9450.