NEW YORK CITY AND HOULTON, Maine – William James Cogswell, 86, of Houlton and New York City, passed away on Monday, November 27, 2017, in his apartment at Madigan Assisted Living, with family members at his side. William “Uncle Bill” was born on July 19, 1931, in Fort Fairfield, the son of Kenneth and Myrtle (Weaver) Cogswell.
His sisters Geraldine Dunn and Norma Bates have predeceased him. His only living sister, Lavina Byron, was at his side. He is survived by ten nieces and nephews, Kenneth Bates and his wife, Maureen, Richard Bates and his wife, Flossie, Joanne Peabody and her husband, Ronald, Jane Dunn, Carole Bates, Cheryl Nason and her husband, Dale, Roger Byron and his wife, Laurie, David Bates and his wife, Lisa, Jennifer Carmichael and her husband, Danny, and Kimberly Hawkes and her husband, Darren, as well as several great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Bill attended Hodgdon High School, Bob Jones University, and Asbury Seminary. He was a social worker in New York City for over fifty years. Bill loved music, singing, people, and most of all his family. He had an eclectic group of friends in the city. Bill never met a stranger. He was kind, compassionate, curious and funny. He enjoyed the company of those who attended the Stein and Sage Senior Centers, many times breaking out into a song during the meals. Bill was a member of The Church of the Village in NYC. Pastor Jeff Wells expressed that Bill will be greatly missed.
Bill’s family would like to thank Madigan Home Health Care, hospice staff and the private duty staff who lovingly cared for him in his last days.
A funeral service was conducted at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at the Houlton Wesleyan Church with the Rev. Wayne Robertson officiating. Interment took place at Hodgdon Cemetery following the service. The family welcomed you to join them for a reception immediately following the service at the church. Donations in Bill’s memory can be made payable to the Houlton Wesleyan Church, Hospice Of Aroostook Houlton Division, Bridge To Hope, or to a charity on one’s choice in c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730. Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at: dunnfuneral.com
