William F. Degan, 88, a retired Marine Corps colonel, died Aug. 7.
Born in Boston, he grew up in South Boston. A former 50-year resident of Squantum, he had resided almost 40 years in South Boston.
Mr. Degan served as an aviator in World War II and the Korean War. He was also a retired insurance executive of Liberty Mutual Co., Boston.
He was co-founder and honorary chairman of the McKeon Post Boxing Program, a member of the Boston Harbor Yacht Club, a South Boston Sports Hall of Fame inductee and a graduate of Boston College.
Husband of 60 years of the late Marie C. (Coyne) Degan, he is survived by his children, Elaine D. Niles and her husband, Peter, of Clinton, Conn., and Sally D. Glora and her husband, Edward, of South Boston; his daughter-in-law, Karen M. Degan, of Florida; his grandchildren, Peter Niles, Sarah Niles, Andrew Niles, William Degan and his wife, Tara, and Brian Degan; and his nephew, Scott M. Coyne, and his daughter, Lara.
He was the father of the late U.S. Marshal William F. Degan and brother of the late John Degan, Charles Degan, and Francis Degan.
A funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Brigid Church, South Boston, on Aug. 12. Burial was in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.
Donations may be made to St. Brigid Church, 841 East Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127.
Arrangements were by the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home.