MEDWAY/FRANKLIN: William J. "Billy" Coover; Howard William Embree

William J. Coover, Jr.

William J. Coover, Jr., 74, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024 with his family by his side after a long battle with multiple myeloma.

He was born on September 24, 1950, in Shippensburg, PA, the son of Joyce R. (Rabenold) Sammel of PA and the late William J. Coover, Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa K. Yane, with whom he enjoyed over 20 years; his mother Joyce R. Sammel of PA; his daughters Elizabeth "Biz" B. Coover of West Roxbury and Emma J. Coover of Acton, and his son Samuel W. Coover of Medway; his half-brother, Paul D. Coover of WA, and his step-siblings, John F. “Fred” Sammel, Jr. of NY, Jane Sammel Misch of NC, Mary Belle Sammel Bulwinkle of CA, Ann Sammel Bates of OH, and H. Christine Sammel of IL and his first wife, Elizabeth “Lisa” Ramsay of Cape Cod.

Bill's passion for music was the rhythm of his life. A talented musician on the guitar and saxophone, he co-founded with the late Jeff Spencer the renowned Memphis Rockabilly Band (MRB) in 1978. MRB brought the vibrant energy of rockabilly to the Boston area and beyond; in its heyday in the 1980’s and 90’s, the band toured up and down the East Coast and played rockabilly festivals in France for several years. MRB had the honor of opening for legendary musicians including Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and Link Wray.

Once Bill started a family, his “day job” was managing video stores such as BlockBuster, Hollywood Express and various independents. With the demise of the video industry, Bill began a new role as a guitar teacher, giving lessons primarily to middle and high school students. Although he was not a fan of contemporary music, he learned the songs that his students wanted to play. His philosophy was that students would be more motivated by playing music that interested them.

His legacy in music will live on in rockabilly fans worldwide, and in the hearts of the many musicians he played with in a variety of bands for over five decades. His wonderful personality and friendliness led to lasting friendships.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 5 PM in the First Congregational Church of Milton, 495 Canton Ave., Milton, with a reception to follow at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Milton, 495 Canton Ave., Milton, MA 02186

Howard William Embree

Howard William Embree 78, of Franklin passed away September 28th surrounded by his family. He passed away from Parkinson’s Disease.

Born in Norwood and raised in Bellingham, he graduated from Bellingham High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Bryant University. He spent many years working as and managing engineers in various fields, including aerospace and medical technology.

His fondness of his friends, brothers, and parents carried over to a family of his own. Howard was a loving husband who cared for his wife as she battled ALS and Lyme Disease, a selflessly devoted father who worked hard to give his daughters endless love and the most amazing lives, and an adoring grandad, who filled his grandchildren’s days with love, hugs, and fun. He loved his brothers and especially valued how close they were. It was an example his daughters and grandchildren witnessed daily and therefore emulate as they have become each other’s respite. He also cherished his father and mother – a love that his daughters inherited as they love their mom and dad with all their hearts.

Howard often reminisced of his younger days, passing down his stories to future generations. His face lit up the room when he talked about his childhood and teen years, his family, and his passion for music. There was always music when Howard was around, and he always had his own personal connection to most songs. This was how he shared himself with those he loved. Now, when his family hears those songs, they will forever know that he is with them, enjoying all of life’s moments and loving us through its tribulations.

Howard is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Celeste (Introini), his caring mother and father, Edna and John Embree, and his brother, John Embree, all of whom we are sure were there to greet him in heaven. He leaves behind three daughters, Jennifer (husband Aviv) Kaufmann and their three children (Kai, Emma, and Adam), Jaime (husband Brian) Chung and their four children (Mia, Madi, Millie, and Brody), and Jodie (husband Craig) Shiosaki and their three children (Colton, Carter, and Conor). He is also survived by his brother, Murray Embree and his wife, Lynda. Howard also leaves behind in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A service celebrating the life of Howard will be held October 8th at Franklin Federated Church 171 Main St. Franklin at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the American Parkinson Disease foundation at apdaparkinson.org or the Parkinson’s Foundation at parkinson.org or any other organization that contributes to research of Parkinson’s Disease.

The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. is honored to assist the Embree family.

Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com