William G. Countie
March 16, 1932 ~ February 9, 2021
Husband, father, friend, golfer, Barbershopper, businessman and all-around great guy, William G. “Bill” Countie passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. Bill was born in Peabody Massachusetts to Francis I. and Marion (Powers) Countie and was the second of four boys. Bill was predeceased by Ralph and Fr. Charles, and is survived by his eldest brother, Francis I. Countie Jr.
Bill excelled in all sports at St. John’s Prep (Class of 1950), continued playing basketball at Merrimack College (Class of 1954) and loved to recount the game their team played against the Harlem Globetrotters. It was at Merrimack that Bill fell in love with his one and only Elizabeth (Betty) Martin (Class of 1956). After a stint in the US Navy, they married and raised their family in Danvers, MA. They were married 63 years until her passing in 2020.
Bill leaves five children and their spouses: William G. Jr and Anne Marie Countie, Kathleen and James Ciman, Ann and Clifford Carman and Maureen and David Benson, Matthew and Jill Countie. He adored his seven grandchildren: Daryl Popper, Audrey Carman, Emily and Daniel Benson, and William, Grace and Kyle Countie as well as his many nieces and nephews.
Following his retirement as an independent insurance broker, Bill and Betty escaped New England winters and found their little piece of paradise in the Foxfire community of Naples Florida. There they enjoyed the sunshine, close friendships, so many club events and competing in golf and cribbage leagues. Bill could be seen daily riding his bike on King’s Way, greeting one and all.
“Big Bill” was most proud of his 70-year association with the SPEBSQSA and the Barbershop Harmony Society, where his mighty Bass tones graced the Northshoremen (Beverly MA) and the Paradise Coastmen (Naples FL). He loved the chorus but was especially passionate about quartet singing and performed with many notable quartets including, The Hippy-Crits, the After 5 Four and most recently the Fifth Avenue Quartet of Naples and he was very proud to have been asked to sing along with the Buffalo Bills Quartet of “Music Man” fame. Bill made lifelong friends, mentored many singers and had countless musical adventures along the way. Even at home, Bill could, at any given moment; call the Countie Gang in to sing the tag: “Bring back all those golden days, gone by”.
Please join the Countie family in our continued efforts to support Barbershop Singing in America by making a donation in honor of Bill to the local barbershop chapter of your choice or to Bill’s favorites: The Northshoremen, 42 Weatherly Drive, Salem, MA 01970 ( Online at http://www.harmonize.com/northshoremen/members/index.htm ) or The Naples-FT Myers SPEBSQSA, Inc., PO Box 111431 Naples, FL 34108.
Bill’s wish was to have a gathering of family and friends to include food and music. As he sang, “You can never go wrong with a song”. This will be held at a later date.
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I had the pleasure of singing with Bill in the Paradise Coastmen Chorus. He had a wonderful voice and was a kind and gracious person. We will all miss him. My condolences to his family. May you find comfort knowing that he was important to so many people.
Bob Davidson
I net Bill briefly in the 1960’s whem i was jist a rookie and he was already a veteran, . I really got to know him when i returned to Barbershopping after a 45 year hiatus and he greteded me like an old friend.. We has a lot laughs and good natured ribbing in the bass section of the Northshoremen when he ws was with us during anual his May to September vists to the North Shore. I appreciated his advice and constructuve comments when he visited our quartet (the Essex County 4) rehearsals. as well as those he gave to our chorus(The Northshoremen). He not only had a great bass noice but more importantly
a real gentleman. My condolences to hus family, I hope my words and those of many others will ease the pain of his loss.
Irwin Cohen
My condolences to Bills family and friends.
I have only known Bill for about 5 years , through the Northshoremen.
I couldn’t believe the awe and sense of friendship that came over the hall when he would return fro Florida each spring .
Or the sense of loss when he left each fall.
But most of all. I remember his devotion to Betty. In what they would have wished to be better times .
A great voice had been silenced.
But a greater example lives on .
I am so sorry for your loss. My Grampy John Daly sang with with Bill during the hippy-crit errah
When my hard father was sick and on his way bill and a few of his barbershop friends came out to sing for him. We were so grateful, and all though both my grandparents are gone now, I am still for ever grateful for the happiness Bill brought to them during that time…
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Kristen Gagnon
Granddaughter of John and Dorothy Daly
Bill was one of my very first bosses back in 1972 at Walter Conway/Clifford Insurance in Salem. He always brightened the day when he walked into the office. He was patient and kind to a recent high school graduate just starting out in the working world. A very lovely man to work with and I still remember him fondly all these years later.
I remember Bill from my days in customer service at The Heritage Co-Operative Bank of Salem. He was by far one of our favorite customers. He spoke so fondly of his family. Those who bring music to the people have a special place in heaven. I cant imagine a world without song. Thank you for bringing that to us Bill. I hope you are singing in Paradise!
Paula Denis Piraino
“Bill” was a wonderful man. He was my Dad’s friend….A Real Friend. I was so surprised to see that he sang barberhop for 70 years!!! He got my Dad involved in the 70’s and my Dad enjoyed the camaraderie for over 30 years (and I thought that was a Long Time 😄) Bill was a real fun loving guy. At my Dad’s 60th birthday party he put on a skit to end all skits which we captured on video. Hilarious!! Honest, hard working and Fun…..with a wonderful family. When Betty passed away I sent a card. Bill then Called Me to Thank Me for The Card!! Amazing!! I am So Very Sorry for Your Loss. He was one of the “Greats”! He will be missed. 💕
Vickie
Loved the friendship our Dad’s had. Would love to see that video. He was such a showman.
This is lovely. Thanks for posting
John Daley we remember him at the house. A good friend. Those were the days.
Thank you Irwin. Dad’s friends are such a comfort
Thank you for the lovely post Paula.