Bill grew up in Phippsburg, Maine, and lived his 59 years on the shores of Atkins Bay. He was educated at Phippsburg Elementary School, Morse High School and Tilton Academy. He received his undergraduate degree from Goddard College and went on to get both a master’s degree in education from Boston University and his MSW from University of New England. He was an LCSW and a board member of the NASW.
Bill enjoyed many different careers during his life including lobstering, dragging, and his most recent passion, social work, working for Ascentria Community Services in Auburn and his own private practice.
Bill enjoyed life in so many different ways. He loved to hunt and fish, read, listen to music, listen to people and talk for hours about politics and the economy. He loved the outdoors, the woods and especially the ocean. In his recent years he developed a passion for lobster boat racing, hot-rodding, riding his bike, using his weight bench and traveling.
Just last year he traveled to China for three weeks.
Most of all Bill loved his family, which was composed of not only his immediate family but the many diverse and extraordinary people who he crossed paths with during his short but very full life.
Bill was predeceased by his parents P. Edward DeBery and Helen Kibartes DeBery. He is survived by his four sons; Geoffrey and his wife Yiota, Ethan and his wife Lindsay, Anthony and his wife Kasey, and Nathaniel, his first wife Julia DeBery, his second wife Rebecca Brackett, and his true love Nancy Kaake. Also, his granddaughter Elliana and his first grandson expected in November.
Contributions can be mailed to: Ascentria Community Services, 155 Center St. Box 3, Auburn, ME 04210, in care of Bill DeBery Activity Funds. The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at the Maine Medical Center CICU.
Visiting will be held Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Atkins Bay Boat House on Tugboat Drive in Phippsburg, followed by memorial services, a burial on family property and a reception.
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