William C. Zelle, 73, Was Lead Airline Mechanic

William C. (Bill) Zelle of Edgartown died unexpectedly early Friday morning, April 21, at the Martha's Vineyard Community Hospital. He was 73.

Bill was graduated from Somerville High School in 1952, served four years in the Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War. He resided in Brockton and worked for US Air at Boston's Logan International Airport for 28 years, becoming a lead mechanic at the airline. He enjoyed participating in activities with his sons, Scott and David, and he became particularly involved with the Boy Scouts, as he loved the outdoors. He came to Martha's Vineyard in 1992, eventually retiring here to live year-round in Edgartown in 1995, in a house he helped to build with the expertise of his good friend, Steve Morgan.

Bill established himself as an important member of the Island community, volunteering for Meals on Wheels and for The Trustees of the Reservations. He worked for and became great friends with the Edgartown harbor master, Charlie Blair, and could always be seen at Memorial Wharf during the summer. He met his wife, Eunice, on the Island, and they were married in 2002 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Edgartown. Both Bill and Eunice loved the water, boating, kayaking, traveling and working and playing outdoors together. Bill also enjoyed history, sports (particularly football), building things, and talking and being with his family, friends and co-workers.

Bill is survived by his wife, Eunice S. (Murray) Zelle, sons William (Scott) Zelle and David Zelle, and granddaughter Amanda Zelle. He is also survived by his sisters, Eleanor J. Genaro, Muriel I. Narvid and Phyllis J. Raimo; his stepchildren, Patricia A. Oliver, James H. Murray, Michael D. Murray and Erica L. Elliott, and his step-grandchildren, Melissa L. Howell and Neil C. Oliver. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Alida Zelle, and two stepsons, Stanley J. (Chuck) Murray Jr. and Stephen J. Murray.

Services were held at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home on Monday, April 24. Interment will take place at the Bourne National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew's Church in Edgartown or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, VA 22038-1131.

Please visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.