William James Hermenau Sr. died at the Sarah Brayton Nursing Home following a period of declining health. He was 85.

He was the husband of the late Claire (Landreville) Hermenau.

William was born in Bayonne, N.J., the son of the late Arthur and Louise (Pinkham) Hermenau. He attended schools on Martha’s Vineyard. He served his country honorably during the Korean War in the U.S. Army. He worked as a union carpenter and also at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton.

He enjoyed swimming and kayaking, had a love for all animals and helping people in need and above all cherished time with family.

He leaves his five loving children, Walter Hermenau and wife Lisa, William Hermenau Jr. and wife Joanne of Rockland, Wayne Hermenau and wife Cheryl of Carver, Warren Hermenau and wife Lori of Oviedo, Fla., and Paul Hermenau of Taunton. He also leaves his nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Walter, Carl and Arthur Hermenau, Marie Hadfield and Louise Allingham.

Funeral services were held at the O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home in Taunton and interment will be in the family lot at Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in William’s memory to the ASPCA at aspca.org/ways-to-give.