William J. MacKeil passed away unexpectedly on Good Friday, April 10, 2009 at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital after complications from a back injury. He was 63 years of age. He was born in Stoneham to the late Maxwell & Helen (Cronan) MacKeil. William was raised in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1963 and then from the General Electric Apprentice Program in 1970. He worked for General Electric for a few years and then worked as a self-employed builder for many years. Mr. MacKeil was a former member of the Carpenter's Local Union #218. As a private contractor he built houses in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Bill was a lifelong resident of Melrose who enjoyed carpentry, working on antique cars and crafting boat models. Everyone liked Billy and family, friends and neighbors will sadly miss him. Loving brother of Robert F. MacKeil & his wife Angelina of Hamilton and Donald B. MacKeil of Melrose. A funeral service will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Thursday, April 16th at 10AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours Wed. 4-7PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose.