William “Bill” Siders, 55

William “Bill” Siders, 55, of Franklin died May 26 at Metro West Medical Center in Framingham. He was the husband of Christine DeMaria for the past 24 years.

Born August 15, 1966 in Oregon, Ohio, the son of the late William B. and Laurene (Mazur) Siders, Bill grew up in Laurinburg, North Carolina where he graduated from Scotland High School. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Pembroke State University (now UNC Pembroke) and a PhD from Wake Forest University graduate school in Winston-Salem NC.

Before moving to Massachusetts, Bill had lived in Frederick MD and Montreal QC, making great friends along the way. His career was in biotech research, and he was deeply committed to discovery of novel treatments to improve patients’ lives.

Bill loved his family immensely and was a great friend and colleague.

Bill loved summers on the Cape, where he enjoyed biking on the rail trail, kayaking, fishing, and bonfires on the beach. He loved to travel with his family, from east coast road trips to island destinations for snorkeling and rum drinks. He was an avid comic book collector and a great cook who loved to make meals for his family and friends.

Bill will be remembered fondly as always making people laugh and always being ready to raise a glass to the special people and occasions in his life.

In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his children, Zachary and Jenna Siders of Franklin.

He is also survived by his siblings, Keith Siders, Lynn Hill and her husband Dan, Cheryl Geanes, Doug Siders, and Debra Sutherland and her husband Jamie, all of Laurinburg NC, by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and by many friends and extended family.

Services will be private with a celebration of life to held at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB.org).

Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).