SOUTH THOMASTON — William D. “Billy” Laffely, 73, died unexpectedly April 11, 2015, while being Life-Flighted to Maine Medical Center in Portland after suffering a cardiac event.

Born in Boston, Mass., on Dec. 15, 1941, he was the son of William J. and Cecile G. LaMarre Laffely. Growing up in Dorchester, he attended local schools and was a graduate of Boston Technical High School.

After graduation, William worked one year as a surveyor before beginning a 40-year career as a machinist with D.J. Cutter Inc. in Boston. While at that company, he earned certification as a licensed oil burner technician. It was also there that he met the woman who would become the “Love of His Life,” Jacqueline Chapman Laffely. Following their retirement, the Laffelys moved in 2005 to Jacqueline's childhood home in South Thomaston.

He enjoyed working outdoors and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, William was predeceased by a sister, Madeleine H. Pidgeon; and a stepson, Jeffrey DeMass. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline of South Thomaston; two sisters, his twin Elizabeth S. Williams and her husband, Frederick, of Canton, Mass., and Patricia A. Smith of Rockland, Mass.; three stepdaughters, Linda Elliot of Rockland, Lisa Elliot-Laamann of South Thomaston and Stacey Elliot of Wilmington, Mass.; one stepson, Joel DeMass of Dorchester, Mass.; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit Wednesday, April 15 from 9 to 10 a.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a funeral service will be held immediately following at 10 a.m. Interment will be at a later date in Village Cemetery in Thomaston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association Inc., 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074.