William C. Fernald

funeral director, former owner and CEO, Fernald Funeral Home, Mount Desert, Maine, died January 20, 2025, at age 85. Fernald graduated from New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences to obtain his funeral practitioner diploma. He also served as a past president of the Maine Funeral Directors Association.

He was a member of Mount Desert Lodge 140 AF&AM, a 32nd degree Master Mason, president of Hancock County Shrine Club, active member of Royal Order of Jesters and member of Mount Desert Lions Club. Fernald volunteered as a board member for Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce, serving as president, and served as a board member of First National Bank. In his later years, he was the owner and operator of Maine Seaside Cottages.

He is survived by wife Ruth; children Katherine, Rebecca, Amy and Michelle; stepchildren Paul Brunetti and Sally Brunetti; eight grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is father of the late James Fernald, also a Maine Funeral Directors Association past president.