Marblehead…..

Marblehead lobsterman and retired Marblehead Fire Department, Captain William E. "Bill" Withum, Jr. age 80, loving husband for 57 years of Margaret F. (Butler) Withum, died Monday evening, February 8, 2010 in the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers following a brief illness.

A lifelong resident of Marblehead with deep ancestral roots, he was born in the old Mary A. Alley Hospital on Franklin St., the son of the late William E. Withum Sr., and Mary Kiernan Withum, one of the first Yeoman Fs in the United States Navy during World War I. Bill attended Marblehead schools, and was graduated from Marblehead High School in the Class of 1947.

A fixture at Fort Sewall since the age of 13, he lived to fish until two years ago aboard his boat, "Margaret" (named after his true love). Bill was an active member of the local fishing community and was recognized by the Massachusetts Fisherman's Association in 2007 as the fisherman of the year with the "Ralph W. Mailing" Award.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children William E. Withum, III of Amesbury, Robert J. Withum of Danvers, Elizabeth Anne Withum of Marblehead and Mary F. Withum of Washington, DC; four grandchildren Timothy Selman Nielson of Marblehead, Maggie E. Withum of Decatur, GA, Robert J. Withum, Jr. of Danvers and Amanda M Reilly of Washington, DC and several nieces and nephews.

His funeral services will be held on Friday, February 12, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. St. Michael's Church, 26 Pleasant St. Marblehead to be followed by a reception in the church hall. Interment will be private. At the family's request there are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice House c/o Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102 Danvers, MA 01923. For online guest book or additional information please call 781 631 8885 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.