William R. (Bill) Huddleston

William (Bill) R. Huddleston, of Newtonville, MA, passed away suddenly at his home on Sunday, September 15th, 2024, just a few days short of his 80th birthday.

Bill was known for his kindness and generosity of spirit. He believed that everyone should feel safe and included. He supported so many people to make it through the tough moments and decisions in their lives.

Bill grew up in the 1950s in Muncie, IA, to parents John and Chattie, originally from Huddleston Knob in Byrdstown, TN. While attending Yorktown High School (Class of 1962), Bill enjoyed working in the family business, Huddleston’s Fruit Market, alongside his four siblings, including the now deceased Gene and Lauren.

He then earned a B.S. in Management & Administration from Indiana University (Class of 1966), a J.D. from Harvard Law School (Class of 1969) and, ultimately, a doctoral degree in Psychology (Psy.D.) from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, MSPP (1982). What was most important to Bill was caring for others, and as a clinical psychologist, he worked with his clients for over 30 years.

At a time when many men did not see themselves as primary caregivers, Bill actively supported his wife’s business career and his sons’ school community—at Cabot Elementary School, Bigelow Middle School, Newton North High School (especially Theatre Inc.).. He served for 10 years as a Scout Troupe Leader (Troup 311 based out of Grace Church, Newton Corner). He loved creating memories as the family photographer.

For years, he kept himself busy with innumerable home improvement projects, overseeing the renovation of his beloved 1915 house.  He was an avid supporter of LGBT+ youth & families, of the Death with Dignity movement, and of area small businesses and services, including, most recently, as a volunteer at the Newton Resource Recovery Center.

Above all, Bill treasured his family. His legacy is carried on by: his wife of 46 years, Gail Deegan; his son & daughter-in-law Richard & Sarah, also of Newtonville; his son & son-in-law, Thomas & Stefan, of Brussels, Belgium; his granddaughters Astrid & Beatrix, also of Brussels; his brothers Robert, of Muncie, IA, & John, of Bowling Green, KY, his brother-in-law & sister-in-law Michael & Marcia, of Needham, MA; his nieces & nephews; and the entire Huddleston & Deegan families. His constant love and presence will be deeply missed by everyone he cared for over his 80 years.

Donations may be made in his memory to Family Equality, fighting to advance equality for LGBTQ+ families

https://donate.familyequality.org/give/282932/#!/donation/checkout