Cover for William F. Cansler's Obituary

William F. Cansler

Jul 13, 1945 — Sep 27, 2026

Brockton

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In Loving Memory of William Franklin Cansler.

With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the passing of William Franklin

Cansler on September 27th, 2026. William left this world at Veterans Hospital in Brockton, MA at the age of 81. William was a devoted husband, a steady presence, and a man whose quiet strength and kindness shaped the lives of all who knew him.

Born on July 13, 1945, in Knoxville, TN. William was the son of Leola Cansler and George Cansler. As the fourth child of six children, he grew up with a deep sense

of responsibility, compassion, and family devotion- qualities he carried throughout his life. He was the beloved husband of Callie P. Robinson, with whom he shared a life built on loyalty, companionship, and enduring love. William also leaves behind two sons, David Wayne Cansler and his wife Theresa of Brockton, Curtis Lee Cansler and his wife Jennifer of Taunton, MA and a daughter Debra Coleman of Pensacola, FL; Six

grandchildren, Curtis Lee Cansler Jr. and his partner Stephanie H of Taunton, Jaime Aarron Cansler and his wife Ann of Taunton, MA. Paul Coleman of Fayetteville, NC, Philip Ethan Coleman of Fayetteville, NC, Laura Coleman, of Fayetteville, NC and Gabrielle – Mishel Coleman of Denver, CO; as well as 5 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter, LaShonda Elizabeth Hazard of Providence,

Rhode Island, whose memory remained close to William's heart. He is also preceded in death by his siblings Juanita Wells, Sylvia Carter and George Cansler. William leaves behind his siblings, who will forever hold his memory close, Woford Cansler of Jamica Plain, MA, and Mary Cansler-Bell of Cocoa Beach, Florida.

A devoted Jehovah’s Witness, William lived his faith with sincerity and steadfastness. His spiritual convictions guided his daily life, offering him comfort, purpose, and a deep sense of hope.

William served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. William enlisted in the Navy in June 1964 and was honorably discharged in June 1967. He received the National Defense Service Award

His passing leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his memory remains a blessing- carried forward in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. The lessons he lived by- kindness, faith, and quiet strength- will continue to guide those he leaves behind.

As we honor William’s life, we hold close the love he gave, the stories he shared, and the gentle presence that will forever be missed.

Visitation for William will be held at the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 165 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 9am-12pm. Interment to follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, Massachusetts at 2pm.

His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 1pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 329 E Ashland Street, Brockton, MA 02302.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Visitation

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

9:00 am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Russell & Pica Funeral Home

165 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301

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Interment

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Massachusetts National Cemetery

Connery Ave, Bourne, MA 02542

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Memorial Service

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses

329 East Ashland Street, Brockton, MA 02302

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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