Cumberland,

William J. O'Coin, Jr., Esq., 85 years of age, passed on Saturday, June 6, 2020, following a faith-based and honorable life of personal and professional accomplishments.

Upon graduating from Woonsocket High School, William joined the Rhode Island Army National Guard and served in the medic unit.

William had a lifelong commitment to his faith.  A past Grand Knight of Woonsocket Council, Knights of Columbus  William was 21 years old and recognized as the youngest person in Rhode Island to be elected Grand Knight.  That distinction continues through today.  William was an active member of the St. John Vianney Adoration group and attended daily Mass at the La Salette Shrine and other churches.

Also at the age of 21, William was appointed a police officer for the Woonsocket Police Department. He served with special distinction and was quickly assigned to the detective division.  Decades later, William's police service became known that he had made an arrest in Woonsocket of a young unknown actor from New York City.  That person was identified as Hollywood legend Al Pacino.  While a member of the police department, William began attending Providence College.  He graduated in 1967 and continued on to New England Law/Boston.  He graduated in the top ten of his class in 1971 and went on to a distinguished career focused on resolving complex real estate title issues and other land use matters. He worked for Chicago Title and later started the New England Land Title Insurance Agency Inc.  At the same time, William began his political career with his election to the Cumberland School Committee.  He served 14 years as a member and chairman of the committee.  During his tenure, the Cumberland school system was rated as one of the premier and exemplary school districts in the state of Rhode Island.

For the second half of his life, William was affectionately known by most people who knew him as "Pop-Pops".  William devoted his time and energy to his grandchildren with love, protection, and guidance.  His special affection and love for his daughter Karen and the grandchildren made William a comforting presence.

Born in Woonsocket, he was the son of the late William J. and Mary (Zifcak) O'Coin Sr.  He was a Cumberland resident.  He was a communicant of St. John Vianney Church, Cumberland.

He is survived by his children; Karen Bellucci and her husband Joseph Jr. of Cumberland; Kevin O'Coin and his wife Myra of Florida; Karleen Halliwell and her husband Jack of Florida.  Nine grandchildren; Dr. Joseph Bellucci III and his wife Kaitlin of Lincoln, Kathleen Stowik and her husband David of Cumberland, Karleen Fino and her husband Jonathan of Cumberland, Justin William Bellucci and his Fiancee Shannon Faucher of Cumberland, Dr. Jordan Bellucci of Texas, Kourtney Bellucci of Cumberland, Jackson Halliwell, Cliff Halliwell and Cody Halliwell of Florida. Seven great-grandchildren; Gianna Bellucci, Ava Bellucci, Olivia Bellucci, Ryan Bellucci, Lola Fino, Michaela Stowik, and Mackenzie Stowik. He was the great grandfather of the late Brooke Elizabeth Stowik and Luca Joseph Fino.

William will be missed forever, respected an honored eternally.  He touched and influenced the lives and hearts or many people in this world.  May God Bless William.

William's Life Celebration will be held on Thursday June 11, 2020 beginning with the family receiving guests at 9:30 AM in St. John Vianney Church, 3609 Diamond Hill Road Cumberland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.

Online memorial/guestbook: jjduffyfuneralhome.com