Mr. William E. "Bill" Sarmento

WILLIAM E. SARMENTO Lowell Sun Theater Reviewer for over 43 years William (Bill) E. Sarmento, well known theater reviewer, passed away very peacefully January 10, 2023, after a life well lived. He had been a resident of Watson Fields, assisted living facility, in Dover, NH for the past six months where he received outstanding care. Bill was born in Lowell on January 1, 1934, and just enjoyed celebrating his 89th birthday on New Year’s Day. After graduation from Lowell High School he attended Boston University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History and Civilization in 1956. He was enrolled in their ROTC program and served in the U.S Army for two years after graduation. Bill went on to earn a Master’s in Education degree from B.U. in 1960. Bill had an extensive work career in academia in addition to writing a newspaper column. He taught history at Tewksbury High School, worked in admissions at Boston University, was a guidance counselor at Tuckahoe High School in East Chester, NY, and taught both philosophy and world religions at Mercy College and later at Pace University in New York. Living in New York City afforded Bill the opportunity to attend the opening night of every Broadway play and some off-Broadway plays. As an avid music, movie, and theater buff, he had a theater column in the Lowell Sun from 1961 to 2004 covering several thousand shows, ballets operas and concerts. At one time he wrote seven columns a week for the Sun, Monday through Friday and two on Sunday including the Weekly TV book, complete with a picture sketch of him sporting a bowtie. He wrote his final farewell column entitled “Thanks for the Memories” on October 2, 2004. Bill also loved music and while summering in Ogunquit, Maine and later as a full time resident he could be heard belting out show tunes solo at The Front Porch piano bar. He got to sing several times for the residents at Watson Fields where he was nicknamed “Broadway Bill.” Over the years, particularly on school breaks, during the summer, and then in retirement, Bill travelled abroad extensively and accumulated a vast network of friends in New York, Ogunquit and “across the pond.” Bill was predeceased by his parents Emmanuel Sarmento and Mary (Sheedy) Sarmento and his devoted life partner of over fifty years, Charles T. Wilson, who passed away in 2022. He is survived by his brother David Sarmento of Westford, MA, a sister-in-law Diane Sarmento of Lowell, MA, life long friends Dorothy (Dolly) Hayden and Joanne Holt, both of Lowell, MA and many other friends and relatives. FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE FAY MCCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL, MA ON MONDAY, JAN. 16, 2023 FROM 2 UNTIL 5 PM. BILL’S FUNERAL WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY MORNING AT 10 AM, FOLLOWED BY HIS FUNERAL SERVICE AT 11 AM IN THE FUNERAL HOME. BURIAL WILL TAKE PLACE IN ST. MARY’S CEMETERY, N. TEWKSBURY, MA. AS AN EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY, DONATIONS IN BILL’S MEMORY MAY BE MADE TO THE DR. CHARLES T. WILSON SCHOLARSHIP. You can send your contribution directly through the existing Pelham Education Foundation website at www.pelhameducationfoundation.net. All CWS donors should click the Donate button on the top right and enter “Charlie Wilson Scholarship” in the “Name for Tribute” field when completing the online donation form. This will allow the PEF to account for funds donated specifically for the Charlie Wilson Scholarship endowment. If donors would like to mail a check, then please write “Charlie Wilson Scholarship” on the memo line of the check. Send to:Pelham Education Foundation, PO Box 8302, Pelham, NY 10803. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS 978-459-9222 www.faymccabe.com

Mr. William E. "Bill" Sarmento

January 1, 1934 - January 10, 2023