Somesville, ME – William (Billy) Jerome Hamilton passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 78 years old. Billy was born in Northampton, MA, the son of Willie and Louisiana (Fortson) Hamilton, and grew up in Greenfield, MA. At Greenfield High School, Billy made lifelong friends, met the love of his life, Suzanne Field, and developed the love of music that he would carry with him throughout his days. Billy graduated from Greenfield High School in 1965 and became the first in his family to attend college, receiving his associate's degree in Electronics from the University of Hartford in 1968. Billy and Sue married in 1969 and shared 56 years of devotion. Throughout his life, Billy worked as a photographer, a software engineer, a videographer, and as a professional musician.
Billy is survived by his beloved wife, Sue; his brother Kenny and sister-in-law Alison; his daughters Sara Rattigan and Elisa Hamilton; his sons-in-law Richard Rattigan and Bill Unsworth; and his three grandchildren Berwyn, Ivy, and Wesley. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara Hamilton of Greenfield, MA and Lumberton, NC.
Billy's love for family and community was evident in everything he did. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the countless moments of connection he created with friends and strangers alike. Per Billy's wishes, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to hospice care organizations.
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