William “Bill” Kukene, 66, of Haverhill, passed away Thursday, Aug. 27, at Merrimack Valley Hospice House surrounded by his family after a brief battle with brain cancer.
Born in Haverhill Oct. 27, 1948, he was the son of John J. and the late Alice W. (Schultz) Kukene. He was a life long resident of Haverhill and a graduate of Haverhill High School class of 1968. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and proudly served our country during the Vietnam War. He was stationed with the Strategic Air Command in Chicopee, Texas and Thailand. Upon his discharge from the military he worked in various manufacturing positions in the Merrimack Valley until his retirement in 2012.
He enjoyed yard work, gardening and always kept the neighborhood birds fed attracting a large assortment of Cardinals, Blue Jays and thousands of Sparrows. Kukene was an accomplished Parrothead and veteran of nearly 20 Jimmy Buffett concerts. His outstanding grilling skills translated well to tailgating, an avid fan of the New England Patriots, he rarely missed a game.
In addition to his father he is survived by his three brothers, John E. Kukene and his wife, Annette of Sandown, N.H., Gerry C. Kukene and his wife, Virginia of Haverhill and Steven L. Kukene and his wife, Jackie of Haverhill; a niece, Danielle Glorioso and her husband, Vincent of San Diego, Calif.; a nephew, John W. Kukene of Raymond, N.H.; great-nephew, Brooks Glorioso, and great niece, Kierra Glorioso both of San Diego, Calif.. He is also predeceased by his nephew, Brian C. Kukene.
A funeral service takes place Saturday at Linnehan-Grondin Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill at 10 a.m. A period of visitation will be held prior to the service from 9 to 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment will be in Linwood Cemetery in Haverhill.