Obituary of William Ira Shattuck, Jr.
Beloved William Ira Shattuck Jr, 75, passed away on November 4, 2023. Born on May 21, 1948, he was a lifelong resident of Belchertown, MA. After graduating Belchertown High School in 1966, he went on to earn a degree from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst.
Together with his brother Tom, he worked as owner/operator of the family business, Devon Lane Farm Supply and Power Equipment. He served clients across New England, helping farmers get their harvests in with working equipment in any weather and at all hours.
Creating many sweet memories, Will enjoyed making maple syrup with his dear wife of 50 years, Judi, building Shattuck’s Sugarhouse since 1972. He was committed to the land maintaining the family’s farm property and caring for the Devon herd throughout his lifetime. He also found joy in tinkering and repairing large engines of all sorts, as well as a lifetime love of flying small planes and fast cars.
For 50 years, he served both the Belchertown Firefighters Association and the Masonic Order. He was a Trustee for the Belchertown Congregational Church and founding member of the Belchertown Agricultural Commission. He served as past president and long time member of the Franklin Harvest Club and Massachusetts Maple Producers Association, as well as the Northeast Equipment Dealers Association. He was generous with his time, engaging always in support of the community.
Will leaves behind his wife, Judi, and their children: Nate, Emily, Kristin, and Dan. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren who brought him immense happiness.
A “Celebration of Life" Service to spread his ashes and honor his memory is planned at the farm for Saturday, July 27, 2024. In lieu of flowers and formal services, memorial contributions may be made in his name at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School supporting the Agriculture Mechanics Program which suffered a great loss of essential equipment in the 2022 fire. Will was dedicated to supporting the students in the Ag Mech program for more than 50 years as did his father before him. Beers & Story Funeral Home of Belchertown, MA will handle the arrangements and their compassionate assistance during this difficult time is greatly appreciated.
Will is remembered as a dedicated family man, a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a hardworking pillar of the community. May his legacy of service and generosity continue to inspire us all. For more information, please visit www.beersandstory.com
