William Franklin Emmons Jr., 94

William Franklin Emmons Jr., a 49-year resident of New Canaan, CT passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 3, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. 

He was born in Belmont, MA on April 3, 1931, a son of William F. and Alice Grimes Emmons, and raised in Arlington, MA. Bill graduated Cum Laude from Boston College in 1953. He was a three sport, four year varsity letter winning athlete, playing hockey, football, and track. He received B.C’s highest student honor, the Edward H. Finnegan award, presented to the senior who best exemplifies the university’s motto “Ever to Excel.” He played in the first annual Beanpot Tournament, between B.C., Boston University, Harvard and Northeastern. 

After graduating from college, Bill joined the United States Air Force as an Aviation Cadet, became a flight instructor, served 5 years, and retired as a captain. Following his service, during which time he met and married his beloved wife, Mary Ellen of 70 years, he joined IBM in Boston where he also flew F-86’s in the New Hampshire National Guard on weekends.

Op-Ed: ‘Hidden Costs’ of Gas Leaf Blowers

One of the hidden costs of gas leaf blowers goes beyond the noise and pollution—they’re also a tool of excessive and expensive labor, sometimes used for tasks that could be done in far more efficient, quieter, and greener ways. Unnecessary Labor & Overuse of Leaf Blowers

When you see landscapers using gas-powered leaf blowers to move just a few leaves off a driveway or the side of the road, it’s clear how inefficient this practice is. Sometimes it feels like they’re padding the bill with tasks that are a bit overkill. For example, instead of simply sweeping or raking a small area, landscapers will often resort to the loud and polluting blower, consuming fuel and time. It’s also a situation where you’re not just paying for the equipment, but for the hours spent running it, which adds unnecessary costs for homeowners.