Obituary of William J. Dawson

William J. Dawson with heavy hearts and tears of joy, we announce the passing of William J. Dawson, 67, on August 23, 2014 in his sleep at Aspen Care Center home. The date August 23 holds a remarkable significance as that was William's rebirth date from battling Cancer and the Lord calling him home. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, John and Madeline Dawson and also his dear aunt, Frances McCutcheon. William was born November 15, 1946 and was a native New Yorker from Queens. Bill served his country in the US Army from 1966-1968. He received a B.S. in Sociology from City University of New York. Bill began his tenure at the Flatbush Boys Club in Brooklyn, New York from 1968-1974, and then moved to the Stamford Boys Club in Connecticut as the Executive Director. He was selected as "Man of the Year" in 1980 by the Stamford Jaycees for his work and community involvement. Ready for another challenge to turn around and rebuild the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson, William moved his family across country and never looked back. By 1985, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson was named "Agency of the Year" by the United Way of greater Tucson. After nearly 40 years of dedication to the Boys & Girls Club movement, Bill retired as Executive Director from the Tucson Boys & Girls Clubs in 2008. Over the years William served equally as a non-profit Executive and philanthropist to the Tucson community. In 1984, he chaired the Committee for Youth Services through the Sunshine Kiwanis. In 1986, William served as Agency Chairman of United Way's fundraising drive. Bill also volunteered time to coach teams for Thornydale Little League baseball and Catalina Foothills Bobby Sox softball. From 1985-1988, William coached the Suffolk Hills Catholic High School Girls Softball team. He will be remembered in the Tucson community for his dedication, passion, and commitment to helping the youth. He wanted to make a difference in young people's lives to help them realize and achieve their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Carol-Lynn of 44 years and his children, oldest son, William and daughter-in-law, Lilia; grandchildren, Isabel, William and Lauren; daughter, Mary-Beth and youngest son, Byard and daughter-in-law, Amanda; his sisters, Frances (Anthony) Pieroni, Madeline (Robert) Herzog and many nieces and nephews. Family would especially like to thank Tracy Anderson, RN, and her devoted staff at the Aspen Care Assisted Living Home as well as Casa de la Luz for assisting and guiding Bill in his final journey and passage with dignity and peace. Also, thank you to Dr. Rachel Swart of Arizona Oncology for her passion and dedication in Bill's fight with cancer. A Service will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson or Casa de la Luz Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, www.adairfuneralhomes.com -