William Harry Highlands Sr.

SHREWSBURY - CWO4 William Harry (Bill) Highlands Sr., U.S. Navy (Ret.), 89, of Shrewsbury died Thursday May 28, 2026, at Rose Monahan Hospice, Judith Road, Worcester. 

He leaves his wife of 65 years, Rosemarie (Iardino) Highlands and three sons, William H. Highlands Jr. of Shrewsbury, Thomas J. Highlands of Boston, and Daniel S. Highlands and his wife Brenda (Hanson) Highlands of Grafton.   He is survived by his nieces, nephews and several in-laws who loved him dearly.  Predeceased by his brother Delbert and mother-in-law Angelina DeAngelo, who loved him like a son.

He was born in Johnstown, PA the son of George and Mary Ellen (Boyer) Highlands. He grew up in New Kensington, PA and graduated from New Kensington High School in 1955.

Bill entered the United States Navy in 1956 for what would be a 23 year career as a Naval Officer and meteorologist. He proudly served his country around the world, stationed in Antarctica, Argentia, Newfoundland, and Rota, Spain, along with many stateside assignments.  He served for a year as part of the Antarctica Support Group at Hallet Station, where he participated in activities associated with the International Geophysical Year of 1957-1958.  He met his wife as a young sailor working at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida in 1960.  She joined him as a proud Navy wife through the rest of his Navy career.  He retired from the Navy in 1979. 

After his Navy career he continued working as an engineer in the meteorology field which brought him to New England.  In retirement he worked at St. Paul’s Cathedral and ran their food pantry. 

He loved his adopted New England sports teams, especially the Red Sox and Bruins and was active in the Old Antarctic Explorers Association. 

A prayer service will be held Tuesday June 2, 2026 at 9:30 am at Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester, followed by burial at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Cemetery in Winchendon.  Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Monday, June 1, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (nmcrs.org)