Frederick W. Luce Was Lifelong Island Resident

Frederick William (Bill) Luce of West Tisbury died Saturday, Feb. 5 at Martha's Vineyard Hospital at age 87.

Bill was the husband of Elizabeth (Perry) Luce and the son of Ellis Norcross Luce and Augusta Anderson. He was born on Oct. 14, 1917 in Vineyard Haven and was graduated from the Tisbury High School. During his school years he was captain of the basketball and baseball teams and ran cross-country for the track team.

He was a lifelong resident of the Island and only left for a tour of duty in the United States Navy during World War II. He was stationed aboard the mine sweeper, USS Requisite, and was discharged with the rank of Boatswain's Mate First Class.

Bill was the proprietor of the Texaco gasoline station, Dukes County Garage from the early 1960's through the late 1970's. Prior to this he was the assistant fire chief for the Tisbury Fire Department between the 1950's and 1960's. Upon retirement Bill with his wife were the top sellers for Shaklee's Distributor on the Island. Bill could be seen chopping, delivering and stacking cord wood for his customers.

Bill and Elizabeth loved to travel cross country in their motor home. He was an avid Red Sox fan and loved to watch all types of sports.

Bill was a lifetime member and past commander of the American Legion in Vineyard Haven and was also a member of the Naval Mine Warfare Association.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-three years; his daughter, Martha Luce of Oak Bluffs; his son, William Luce of Kittery, Me.; a step-son, Dixon Rogers of California; his grandchildren, Becky Cournoyer and her husband, Mark Bettencourt and Molly Cournoyer all of West Tisbury; Nathan Luce and Matthew Luce both of Waterbury, Conn. and a great-grandson, Connor William Bettencourt. He was predeceased by his former wife, Frances Roberts and his step-daughter, Gertrude Cournoyer and her husband, Francis Cournoyer.

His funeral service was held on Wednesday, Feb. 9 in the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Mary Jane O'Connor Ropp. Interment followed in Oak Grove Cemetery in Tisbury. Donations may be made to the Tri-Town Ambulance Service, 452 State Road, West Tisbury, MA 02575 or to Visiting Nurse Services, P.O. Box 369, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. For online guest book and information visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com.