William Donald Bridgewood, age 78, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 22nd, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness.

He was born on July 3, 1948, in Brockton, Massachusetts, to the late Donald William Bridgewood and the late Althea Frances Blackwood. He was raised in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and graduated from Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School, where he participated in Band and served as Track Manager. His yearbook noted his ambition was to become an Accountant.

William proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 22 years of active duty, attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant. His service took him to Vietnam, Edwards Air Force Base, Minot Air Force Base, Pease Air Force Base, Hanscom Air Force Base, Loring Air Force Base, and Hahn Air Base in Germany, where his family was blessed to live with him on base for six years. He was relieved from active duty on June 30, 1988, and retired to the Retired Reserve effective July 1, 1988.

Following his military career, William continued his dedicated service to our nation with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he served until his retirement after more than 40 years of combined federal service. He was deeply honored for his commitment to the Government of the United States of America.

His faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was a devoted member of Seacoast Community Church in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, since 1987, where he faithfully served as a teacher, deacon, elder, and trustee.

William found great joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He loved to travel — especially to visit family and to explore lighthouses along the coast, creating cherished memories wherever he went. At home, he found quiet happiness working on his computers, fishing, researching his family history through genealogy, and sharing his beloved Christmas music with everyone who would listen.

He is survived by his children, Kimberly Morelle (Michael), Rebecca Bridgewood, Jason Bridgewood, and Aimee Bridgewood; his grandchildren, Samantha Matthews, Meghan Bair, Brianna Pyper (Jim), Lorena Hosfield, Emily Hosfield, Bethanie Glenn, Tommy Cameron, Riley Bridgewood, and Greyson Bridgewood; his great-grandchildren, Elliot, Cameron, Lucas, Sapphira, Tommy, Lazario, Lazarus, Lazair, Lazandre, Lazriel, and Amelia; his sister-in-law, Cheryl Bridgewood; and his stepchildren, Michael Myers (Julie), Glenn Myers (Laura), and Robin Cummings (Doug).

He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Althea Bridgewood; his brother, Robert Bridgewood; his beloved wife, Gail Bridgewood; and his daughter, Paula Glenn.

Donations in honor of Mr. Bridgewood may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 4, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Douglas and Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main Street, Salem, NH followed by a funeral service at 4 p.m. at the funeral home.