William D. Mcnaughton

William Duncan McNaughton, age 89, passed away peacefully in his home on October 21st, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the dearly loved husband of the late Jane F. (McKivergan) McNaughton for 64 years. Born in Englewood, New Jersey, he is the son of the late William and Mary (Wild) McNaughton.

After moving to R.I. as a child, William graduated from Pawtucket Vocational School in 1952. A Korean War veteran, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard on November 23rd, 1951, and began what would become a highly decorated military career. Throughout his time in the armed forces, he would go on to enlist in the U.S. Army, spending three years on active duty, then transferring to the US Army Reserves and receiving an honorable discharge. Later William enlisted in the Rhode Island National Guard. In total, his career spanned over 40 years of service to his country. He was especially proud of his years spent with the 11th Airborne Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and 77th Special Forces Group, and would often recall stories of his jumps as a paratrooper and jumpmaster.

William held several positions throughout his service, including, Team Medic, Communications Chief, Team Operations Sergeant, Company Sergeant Major, Battalion Command Sergeant Major, Command Sergeant Major of the R.I. Military Academy, Command Sergeant Major of the 43rd Military Police Brigade, and State Command Sergeant Major which he held until his retirement in 1994. Both during his service and after his retirement, William worked in the telecommunications industry. He loved sitting in his favorite recliner, telling stories about his time at New England Telephone and Telegraph, AT&T, and the University of R.I., climbing the telephone poles and installing some of the first electronic and computer-based telecommunications systems.

He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Development Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve component Overseas Training Ribbon, R.I. Star, Ring Service Medal, Ring Emergency Service Ribbon, Master Parachute Badge, Special Forces Tab, Pathfinder Badge, National Guard Recruiters Badge.

In addition to his military service William's faith and family were pillars in his life. He was an active member of St. Thomas More Parish where he regularly attended with his wife and children. Despite his numerous honors and awards, he would always say that his family was his greatest accomplishment.

He is survived by his children, William David McNaughton, Meg McNaughton-Doyal (husband Michael), and Anne McNaughton Piccirilli; six grandchildren, Ryan C. McNaughton, James F. Doyal, Sarah J. Doyal, Emilie J. Piccirilli, Thomas A. Piccirilli, and Violet M. McNaughton; two great-grandchildren, Izabella and Emanii; as well as his sister-in-law, Mary Ruth McKivergan.

In addition to his beloved wife, Jane, he is predeceased by his daughters; M. Susan McNaughton-Morrison and Jeanne Marie McNaughton, and his siblings Donald David, Daniel, and Jeanne McNaughton.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, October 26th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St, Wakefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, October 27th at 10:00 AM in St. Thomas More Church, 53 Rockland Street, Narragansett. A burial with military honors will follow at Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Thomas More Parish. For the guest book and condolences, please visit: averystortifuneralhome.com.