Obituary of William "Bill" "Naffy" Nafranovich

William Nafranovich PEABODY—William “Bill” “Naffy” Nafranovich, 91, died peacefully on Monday afternoon, September 28, 2009,at the North Shore Medical Center--Salem Hospital while surrounded by his loving family, and following a short illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Irene Toy (Thompson) Nafranovich, with who whom he shared 58 years of marriage until she died in 2001. Born in Peabody on April 16, 1918, he was the son of the late Michael Mofran and Dora (Drobotan) Lawrence. He attended schools in Peabod and was a lifelong resident of the city. An honorably discharged veteran of World War II, he served in the Military Police Platoon 6th Armored Division with action in the European, African, Middle Eastern Theatre Campaigns, and the air offensive in Europe with Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe initiatives. He received a Good Conduct Medal, Expert Rifle Infantryman Badge, and Distinguished Unit Badge for his dedicated service. Mr. Nafranovich was a leather worker with Morris Tanning in Salem while also doing landscaping, and for several years was a Warehouse Attendant with Cressy Dockham before retiring 22 years ago. Bill was a member of the V.F.W. Post 1011 in Peabody, and enjoyed living a simple life. He is survived by: two daughters and sons-in-law, Susan & Clayton Bixbee of Peabody and Judy & Rick Potvin of Lynn; a son-in-law Kenneth Lussier & his wife June of Peabody; a daughter-in-law Rose Nafranovich of Kansas; seven grandchildren, Kenneth & his wife Sharon Lussier, Jr., Gary & his wife Sandy Lussier, Danielle & her husband Mike Harvey, Jamie Potvin & her fiancée Scott Johnson, and Jennifer Potvin & her fiancée Steve Fabiano, Nicole Bixbee, and Teresa Nafranovich; nine great-grandchildren, Shawn, T.J., & Tayla Kriesen, April & Shane Lussier, Allyson Lussier, Devin Potvin, and Shaylee Johnson; a brother John & his wife Jackie Mofran of FL; a sister, Helen Savino of FL, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death, besides his wife and parents, by a daughter Nancy Lussier, a son Edward Nafranovich, and brothers Henry Mofran and Michael “Butch” Drobotan. A Funeral Service honoring his life will be held on Friday Oct. 2, 2009 at 12 Noon in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. location, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited, followed by burial with Military Honors in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 5 – 8 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.