William H. Ordung

STERLING – William H. Ordung, age 87, died peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026, surrounded with love. Born in Clinton, Bill was the son of William J. and Margaret (Gutman) Ordung, and lived in Sterling for nearly 60 years.

After graduating from Worcester Boys’ Trade School Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Hugh Purvis. Following his military service, Bill worked for 42 years as an Operating Engineer for R. E. Chapman Company and a member of International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 4.

Spending his entire life in Massachusetts, Bill was an avid New England sports fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins. For many years, the family schedule revolved around hockey games, travel, coaching, and as a visible spectator, "engaging” both skaters and referees. His enthusiasm brought three varsity athletes to St. John’s and Wachusett Regional High Schools.

Bill loved spending time with his family and friends by the water, whether swimming in Beaver Lake in Derry, NH, boating in Essex Bay, fishing in Falmouth, MA, or in his gazebo by the pool. He was happiest in his poolside chair with his cat on his lap and his kids and grandkids in the water.

Bill shared a long and loving marriage with Judith (Haskell) Ordung who passed away in 1983. Together, they were blessed with six children: W. Michael Ordung and his wife, Dawn; Tracey Bisceglia and her husband, John; Stephen Ordung and his wife, Julie; Julie Mason and her husband, Russell; Christine Staub and her husband, Dana; David Ordung and his wife, Angela.

Following Judith’s passing, Bill married Eileen (Sullivan) Ordung, who predeceased him in 2021. He leaves three stepchildren: Heather Whitney, Mark Whitney, and the late Kara Whitney Morris, who passed away in 2019.

Bill was ‘Grampy’ to 20 adored grandchildren: Matthew, Stephen, Jeffery, Brianna, Bridgett, J.P., Molly, Henry, Louis, Carter, Caleb, Elijah, Judith, Thomas, Audrey, Finnegan, Lily, Alice William, Mary, 8 great-grand kids and many nieces & nephews. Bill also leaves behind his two sisters, June Kunst and Pauline Wilfong and her partner, George Mahan.

Family and friends will gather to honor Bill’s life from 1:00 – 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. A Memorial Service will follow at 3:00 PM at the funeral home. Family will gather for a private graveside service at Hillside Cemetery in the Spring.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (www.mbcc.org).