PITTSFIELD, Mass. — William Ben Borden Sr., 70, of Pittsfield, Mass., gained his heavenly wings on June 13, 2018, while at home surrounded by his loved ones. 

Born in Cuba, Ala., on April 16, 1948, the son of the late Matthew and Odessa Turner Borden, he graduated in 1966 from Kinterbish High School in Alabama and relocated to Pittsfield while in his 20s. Willie worked as a heavy equipment operator for the city of Pittsfield for 33 years, retiring in 2003. Until last year, he was a chef at Side by Side and of course, was always known as the neighborhood mechanic. 

Willie was a dedicated member of Price Memorial AME Zion Church and a proud Masonic brother of St. John’s Masonic Lodge #10. 

Willie leaves his wife, Donna Garrity; four daughters, Tammi Wallace (Herman) of Cuba, Ala., Christine Borden-Bostick (Elton) of Florence, S.C., and Amy Borden and Pamela Borden (Victor), both of Pittsfield; a son, William Borden Jr (Chaquoya) of Pittsfield; three stepsons, David Healey, and Darren and Brenton Garrity, all of Pittsfield; 10 grandchildren, Brandon, Justin, Jerel, Christopher, Anthony, Victor, Ce’riya, Casidy, Danayah, Makyah; and eight great-grandchildren. 

Willie was preceded in death by his firstborn grandson, Shaun. Willie also leaves his siblings, Vinnie, Mattie, Mike, Eric, and Lew; and his former wife, Elaine. He was predeceased by siblings, Junior, Jimmy, and Bea. 

Funeral notice: Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. at Dery Funeral Home. Calling hours will precede the service from noon until 1:45 p.m. and a Masonic Service will be held prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dery Funeral Home to defray funeral costs.