HAVERHILL - William J. Nofsker, formerly of Bradford, died peacefully Tuesday morning at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen surrounded by family.

Son of Ann (Dezack) and stepson of Chellise Gray, of Canonsburg, PA. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dolores (Cook) Nofsker with whom he has been residing recently in Salem, NH. Mr. Nofsker was an active member of the Haverhill business community for more than 40 years. In addition to being a business owner and commercial real estate developer, Mr. Nofsker was a member of the board of trustees at Northern Essex Community College, the former, Merrimack Valley Hospital, and Bradford College.

He is also survived by his children, Deborah McGoldrick and husband Bill of Plymouth, MA, Lisa Fitzpatrick of Bradford, Jackie King of North Andover and Kenneth Nofsker and wife Kim of North Hampton, NH. In addition to his four children, Mr. Nofsker is survived by 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Carol (Gray) Yasko and husband David of Sewickley, PA and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Maryann (Nofsker) Stephens and her husband Clair "Took" of Washington, PA. Bill loved being surrounded by his family, even if things got a little loud.

They have enjoyed spending more than 40 summers together at Sebago Lake in Maine. Some of Bill's favorite traditions included teaching each of his grandchildren to drive the boat and his great-grandchildren to drive the golf cart. He enjoyed hosting a clambake each Fourth of July, watching the kids learning to swim and play in the water, and especially enjoyed seeing generations of kids, and dogs, jumping off the dock. However, his favorite tradition was seeing so much of his family simply enjoy being together in a place he loved dearly. Bill, or Poppa, as many called him often spoke of the wonderful fortune he had to see so many generations grow up together and enjoy "Camp Quarry Cove" in Maine. Although he never had an opportunity to serve in the military Bill was deeply Patriotic, and requested annually, "Get a photo of that (American) flag in the wind there." He was also a proud supporter of Haverhill city politics. Additionally, he and his wife owned a home in Port St. Lucie, Florida where they were part of an active community with many friends. Whether you know him as Mr. Nofsker, Bill, Dad, or Poppa, he will be remembered as a man who sought to improve all the lives he touched.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 14 in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will follow in Sacred Hearts Church, 165 So. Main Street, Haverhill at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Northern Essex Community College scholarship fund in the name of Bill Nofsker. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com