NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — William Hein passed peacefully at Berkshire Medical Center on February 3, 2018, after a lengthy illness.



Before retirement, Bill worked as a Lead Quality Control Engineer at Pittsfield's Defense Contract Management Agency for US Naval Systems, and was the recipient for various awards and medals for his service, which included international travel. Before this, he worked at General Electric, and Sprague Electric in North Adams.

Bill received his Bachelors of Science degree at MCLA in 1982, and his Masters of Physics at UMass Amherst in 1990. During his younger years he served the community in various ways, including coaching Little League and Northern Berkshire Youth Hockey. For hobbies he enjoyed playing racquetball, basketball and softball to which he excelled.  



William attended Drury High School in North Adams, where he was an accomplished gymnast and tenor in chorus. After High School Bill went on to serve in the US Army Massachusetts National Guard, to which he received an honorable discharge. In later years during his retirement, he was a doting grandfather, who enjoyed going out to dinner with his family, and participating in family picnics and get-togethers.  



Bill was a good-hearted soul and humanitarian who will be greatly missed by his friends and family. William was an organ donor, whose altruistic spirit lives on giving to those in need.  



He leaves his daughter, Natalie J. (Hein) Clifton of Pittsfield; son, Michael W. Hein of Adams; one granddaughter, Anastasia C. Clifton of North Adams; as well as his former wife, Dianne J. Hein of Clarksburg; and good friend Jack Fosty of North Adams.



Funeral notice: At his request, there will be no services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals.