William Edward Broderick

William E. Broderick Obituary

Beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather William Edward Broderick passed away peacefully at Cardigan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Scituate, MA on Monday August 17, 2026.

William (“Bill”/”Billy”) was born on May 21, 1928 to Mary and Edward Broderick in Somerville, MA.

A World War II Naval veteran, he served on an LSM in the Pacific during the war. He continued his life of service as a Metropolitan District Commission/Massachusetts State Police Officer for over 30 years. He gained specific recognition as a traffic cop at Neponset Circle because of his unique and distinctive whistle, a whistle so distinguished that it was featured on the Boston Globe’s front page. Bill was renowned in the community for his friendly disposition and outgoing personality.

He married Rita Henick in 1951, celebrating their reception at Boston’s Hampshire House. Shortly thereafter, they settled in Cohasset, MA where they raised their two boys, Francis (“Biff”) and Patrick. After retiring from the police, he and Rita split their time between his family’s multi-generational cottage in Lakeville, MA and Jupiter, FL. They relocated back to the South Shore in 2020.

William is predeceased by his wife, Rita, and survived by his loving family. Father of Francis and his wife Geralyn of Scituate, MA; and Patrick and his wife Maureen of Massena, NY. Grandfather (“Papa”) of Erin and her husband Jeffrey Caulfield of Scituate MA; Alyssa and her husband Kevin Merigan of Marshfield, MA; Terence Broderick of Scituate, MA; Brendan Broderick and his wife Emily of Massena NY; and Molly Broderick of Charleston, SC. Great-grandfather of Elle, Callum, and Marlowe. Brother of the late Edmund Broderick and late Sister Mary Elizabeth Broderick S.N.D. Friend to many.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday August 25, 2026 between 9:30am-10:30am at the McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home (1 Summer Street, Cohasset, MA). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held immediately following visitation on Tuesday at 11am at St. Anthony’s Church, Cohasset. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment will follow at Cohasset Central Cemetery.

We extend our infinite gratitude to the staff of Cardigan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their impeccable care and support during these five years with Bill. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memoriam contribution to Cardigan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 59 Country Way, Scituate, MA 02066, Attn: Linda Hilton.