Gloucester - It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of William V. Tripp, commonly known as Bill Tripp, on May 1, 2026, at the age of 66.

Born on May 18, 1959, to loving parents, William V. Tripp and Marilyn (Miller) Tripp of Watertown, Massachusetts, it was Gloucester that caught Billy's heart — with childhood memories of fishing with his family never far from mind. Bill was the oldest of seven children: his brothers Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and his sisters Lisa (Drew) and Marilyn (Bilargon).

Responsibility and hard work were no strangers to Bill, who lovingly looked back at being responsible for the family grocery shopping at age eight and employed by twelve. He went on to retire after a proud 30-year career as a Master Plumber with Local 12 Union — so proud of his work in the city of Boston and the crew he worked alongside.

A man who loved the water, Bill was happiest boating, fishing, and swimming — so it's no surprise that the shores of Gloucester called to him all his life. He is fondly remembered for his gift for making people laugh and his habit of showing up for anyone who asked — and plenty who didn't. When he started his family with his best friend Michelle McNamara, Bill knew exactly where he wanted to plant his roots and raise his children: Magnolia. It was there that he made the lifelong friendships that defined him.

Bill sacrificed a great deal to provide his family with whatever they needed. If it meant moving to Ipswich to secure his children's education, he did it. If it meant selling his boat to pay college tuition for his son, he did it. If it meant driving back and forth between Ipswich and Gloucester multiple times in a single day to drop something off, visit a friend, or hit a meeting — he did it. Bill loved his children immensely, and it showed in everything he did.

In his short but meaningful retirement, Bill set forth on his next adventure with his loving partner, Susan Record, at The Villages in Florida. It was there that he finally put himself first — and found a place where he could enjoy everything he loved. The water was never far, and he made the most of it, boating, fishing, and swimming just as he always had. He discovered a new favorite fishing spot at Lake Deaton Park, and in the evenings, he and Susan could often be found watching the sunset together at Lake Sumter Landing. He also embraced new pleasures, including the live music at the Town Squares that became a favorite pastime. And of course, there was the golf cart. He will be remembered for being able to make a room full of people laugh, for his kindness, and for his devotion to those he loved.

Bill has been reunited with his parents, his niece, and some amazing friends no longer with us.

He leaves behind the mother of his children, Michelle McNamara; his son, William Tripp; his daughter, Taylor; his longtime partner, Susan Record; his brothers and sisters; his many nieces and nephews; and his brothers and sisters of Bill W., who will miss him terribly.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of life will be held and announced at a later date.

We encourage anyone with a story or two about Bill to join us in honoring his meaningful time spent on this earth.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Cape Ann Animal Aid.