William Peter Burpeau, 90, graciously entered into eternal life on Thursday, September 25, 2014. Bill was born on June 7, 1924 in Yonkers, NY to the late Oscar and Irene Carney-Burpeau. Shortly after graduating from Saunders Trades & Technical High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and honorably served our great nation from 1942-1946 touring in the Pacific during World War II. Upon his return home, Bill furthered his studies on the G.I. Bill. He started college at Loyola University and finished at Michigan State University with a degree in Business Administration. It was at Michigan State where Bill met his future wife, Mary "Bette" Corby. Bill and Bette married in 1950. Later, Bill led a successful career in sales, retiring from the Wholesale Food Industry in 1996. In 1997, Bill and his beloved wife, Bette retired to Brevard County coming from Dix Hills, Long Island, NY. Bill truly enjoyed his golden years....traveling the world and brushing up on his golf and tennis game became daily activities. Some of his other hobbies included: reading, studying history and most of all, putting smiles on his grand kids faces. He will be remembered as fun, lovable man who was dedicated to his family and country. Memories will be cherished by his wife of 64 wonderful years, Bette Burpeau; children, Michael Burpeau, Suzanne Russo (Peter), Barbara Lindsey (Robert), Marianne Fraser and Carol Burpeau; grandchildren, Brendan Lindsey (Melissa), Matthew Lindsey, Kevin Lindsey, Michael Russo (Michelle), Joanna Russo, Katie Fraser, Michael Fraser, Kelly Fraser, Ryan Burpeau and Lauren Burpeau; sister, Madeline "Maddy" Colsey and great grandson, Austin. Bill was predeceased by his brother, Oscar "Buddy" and sisters, Joan Clark and Irene Burpeau. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, September 29th at Davis Seawinds Funeral Home, Melbourne. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 30th at Ascension Catholic Church, Melbourne. Inurnment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bill to: National Stroke Association, 9707 E. Easter Lane, Suite B, Centennial, CO 80112.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Davis Seawinds Funeral Home, 560 Montreal Ave., Melbourne, FL 32935.