William Patrick "Billy" McCrystal

1939   -   2025
Ware - William Patrick "Billy" McCrystal, age 86 passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at his home with his loving wife and family by his side.  Billy was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on April 9, 1939, son of the late William Patrick McCrystal, Sr. and Katherine C. (O'Connor) McCrystal.  He was raised and educated in Ware and was a proud lifelong resident.  Billy enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1960 and served proudly until his honorable discharge in January of 1965 with the rank of CS2.   Billy was a proud American, proud of his country and the flag that represented it.  Billy was also a faithful communicant of All Saints Church in Ware.

On June 9, 1962, in St. Mary's Church in Ware, Billy entered into Holy Matrimony with Apolonia "Polli" Tworek, through good times and bad, sickness and health, they have lovingly been together for 63 years.  Sadly, Billy and Polli were predeceased by their four beloved sons:  Baby John, William Patrick McCrystal, III, Timothy Michael McCrystal and James Brian McCrystal, who were called to heaven too soon. What the heart has known and loved, it cannot lose.

For many years, Billy was the Flag Caretaker for the local Ware cemeteries, where he was responsible for raising and lowering the flag and replacing it when necessary.  He was a lifetime member of the Ware American Legion Post 123 and was part of its color guard for parades and funerals. Billy was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Weir River Club and Aspen Street Rod and Gun Club.  He was the proud owner of a Model-A Ford and belonged to the Model-A Club, attending many car meets. Billy's family established Crystal Park in Bondsville, and Billy worked there as a teenager. Later, Billy worked at Mary Lane Hospital as a cook and then was employed by Pierson Industries for many years prior to his retirement. Billy was a creative person, building numerous items around his home with his woodworking skills. Billy will also be remembered for being the host and grillmaster for many 4th of July pool parties at his beautiful King St. home.

In addition to his wife Polli, Billy leaves behind his sister, Kathleen “Pat” Peritz, his brother-in-laws, Robert Peritz Sr. and Ted Tworek, his loving nieces and nephews:  Kathleen Soltys, Gaylyn Reilly, Jackie Hermann, Lisa McCrystal-Moulton, Colleen McCrystal, Robert “Bob” Peritz Jr, Ivy Peritz-Smith, Holly Leland and Joe Lavallee, and many great-nieces and nephews.

Billy was predeceased by his brother, John J. "Jack" McCrystal, his sister, Maureen "Mickey" Hogan, his niece, Michelle McCrystal-Provost and nephews David Peritz and John LaVallee.

Calling Hours will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 4 - 7 at Cebula Funeral Home, 66 South Street, Ware.  A Funeral Mass will be offered at 11 AM on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in All Saints Church (everyone will meet directly in the church).  Military Honors will be rendered following the funeral mass in the garden area of Cebula Funeral Home.  In lieu of floral offerings, please make memorial donations to the Ware American Legion Post 123, Maple Street, Ware, MA 01082.  Funeral Services are under the direction of Cebula Funeral Home.  For more information and an online guest book, please visit:  www.cebulafuneralhome.com .

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