William R. Fanning Sr.

william fanning

December 5, 1934 ~ August 20, 2025

Born in: Danvers, Massachusetts
Resided in: Beverly, Massachusetts

William Ray Fanning, Sr., 90 years young, passed away on August 20, 2025. He was the loving husband of his “doll,” the late Phyllis (Craig) Fanning.

Born in Danvers on December 5, 1934, William was the eldest son of the late John and Beatrice (Jones) Fanning. He was raised and educated in Danvers and graduated from Holten High School. William served our country honorably in the United States Army.

A highly regarded civil engineer, William earned his bachelor’s degree from Merrimack College and his master’s and Ph.D. from Northeastern University. He had a distinguished career at MIT Lincoln Labs, working on numerous top-secret projects. Most notably, he contributed to the Haystack Radome project during the Cold War, which was used by NASA to intercept enemy communications. The radome remains in use today.

William, known for his love of speed, was a lifelong car enthusiast. He was a regular at New England Dragway from the 1960s through the 1990s, racing in his metallic blue, special-edition 1969 Plymouth Barracuda 340.

Affectionately known by many as “Mr. Soup,” William loved spending winters at his camp in Norton, Vermont, where he snowmobiled with his family—always on the move. When he wasn’t up north, he enjoyed 12 weeks a year vacationing in sunny Pompano Beach, Florida.

He cherished his nightly family dinners with his children and grandchildren, watching The Weather Channel, playing Sudoku, and keeping warm by the fireplace.

William is survived by his son and three daughters: Bill Fanning, Jr. and his wife Terri of Mint Hill, NC; Linda Doherty and her late husband Dan of Salem, NH; Dianne Reddy and her late husband Bill of Beverly; and Dawn Fanning-Driscoll and her husband Patrick of Cape Coral, FL. He also leaves thirteen grandchildren: Katrina Arsenault, Conner Fanning, Kevin Fanning, Kellie Fanning, Daniel Doherty and his wife Emily, Sean Doherty, Philip Doherty and his wife Amelia, Mary Reddy, Billy Reddy, Brady Reddy, Kyle Reddy, and Ryan Fanning and his wife Taylor; and three great-grandchildren: Ryan, Aria, Sofia, and one on the way, Cece. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.
William was predeceased by his granddaughter Caitlyn Fanning and his brother Harry Fanning.

May the snowmobile trail be smooth, the Barracuda burn rubber, and may he hit every green light. Evil 8 out.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 4–7 PM at C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. His funeral service will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 10 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, 155 Hobart St., Danvers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s name to Beverly Bootstraps at https://beverlybootstraps.org/donate or to the Beverly Council on Aging, 90 Colon St., Beverly, MA 01915. Online directions and condolences are available at www.LyonsFuneral.com.

Services

Visitation: Tuesday, August 26, 2025 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors
28 Elm St.
Danvers, MA 01923

(978) 777-7900
lyonsfuneral.com

Service: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 10:00 am

C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors
28 Elm St.
Danvers, MA 01923

(978) 777-7900
lyonsfuneral.com

Committal: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 11:00 am

Annunciation Cemetery
155 Hobart St.
Danvers, MA 1923


Army Veteran

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in William R. Fanning 's name.

Beverly Bootstraps

35 Park Street

Beverly,

MA

01915

978-927-1561

beverlybootstraps.org

Beverly Council on Aging

90 Colon Street

Beverly,

MA

01915

978-921-6017

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Mary and family, I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute. Grampy sounds like such a wonderful man and what a blessing to have him in your lives. Sending thoughts and prayers your way. With love, Lori Donovan & family.

    • Linda I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad he lived a very full life and I know how much he will be missed by you and your boys. Just know I’m a call away if you need me. Love Simone

  2. Linda and I offer Condolences and Prayers to the family. Bill lived life to the fullest he was great man. Going snowmobile temps 20 degrees or colder at 90yo. Come on Bill !

  3. My thoughts and prayers are with you Dianne and your family , may he rest in peace in the glory of God

  4. I will always remember William a wonderful man who loved and cared for his family. Growing up in the neighborhood knowing his children especially Dawn my childhood friend hanging at there home. I am so proud to have known him. He is with his wonderful wife Phyllis now together forever.

  5. Bill, Paul and I are saddened to hear of the passing of your dad. You were blessed to have such a special dad, and we know what a great loss this is. We are thinking of you and praying for comfort and peace in your sorrow.


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