Willis J. "Ike" Isola

It is with a heavy heart that the Isola family shares the passing of Willis Joseph (“Bill”) Isola, Jr on May 7, 2024.

Bill was born on January 31, 1941, to Willis Sr and Kathleen Wilcox, a military family in Los Banos, California. Bill would follow in those footsteps later in life, choosing a career in the United States Army, serving as an Airborne Ranger, Green Beret, Special Forces, and Delta Force. He retired as a First Sergeant and a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Army. During his time in the US Army, Bill received many accommodations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal – 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbons and Bars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, among others. Bill loved his country and his family, Jeanne Isola, and stepson Kim Clark.  

Bill was nicknamed “Ike” in the military and “The Bear” by his family as he was very protective of them and beware anyone who crossed him! He was proud to have gotten to coach his stepson’s hockey team. Bill loved going on drives through the beautiful Massachusetts countryside with Jeanne in his convertible and rarely, if ever, missed a chance to attend the Special Forces annual reunions across the country. He would often tell stories of his time in the Army, some sobering and some that could make you cry laughing, but they were always told with pride. Bill was a true patriot.  

Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jeanne Isola, of Gardner, MA; a stepson, Kim Clark, and wife, Mindy, of Golden, CO; a son, William Isola; a sister Beverly Brooks, of Portland, OR; three brothers-in-law, Richard Gallant and wife Cindy, Joe Gallant, and wife Nancy and Tim Gallant and wife Sherry; four sisters-in-law,  Nancy Apholt and husband Don, Mary Crocker and husband Larry, Christine DesLauries and Jackie Gallant; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.  

Bill is predeceased by his parents, Willis Joseph Isola, Sr, and Kathleen (Wilcox) Isola, and one brother, Jim Taylor.

There are no calling hours.  

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held Friday, July 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St, Winchendon, MA 01475.