William (Bill) Kevin Carruth, age 88, passed peacefully with family by his side on January 21, 2022, after a brief illness. Bill was born in 1933 in Queens, New York, and went on to live a full and adventurous life. He graduated from Fordham University and briefly entered the seminary. Although he did not enter the priesthood, spirituality was always a central part of his life. He was a Fulbright in math in Rome, where he quickly realized the true education would come through exploring Italy on his Vespa. He worked in Afghanistan with the Corps of Army Civil Engineers, in Algeria with EDC, and as director of the Peace Corps in Niger, Africa. He later worked for Save the Children, consulted with Tufts University, and after retiring he volunteered with the Executive Service Corp. Bill leaves behind his loving wife Sheila Carruth, his five children, William (Bill), Catharine (Katie), Maureen, Anastasia (Stacy), and Rachel, and his nine grandchildren, Stephen, Ben, Brian, Will, Henry, Charlie, Reina, Medhanit, and Shiferaw. Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Shanahan Carruth. Bill and Mary were married for over 22 years and were parents of his children, living most of that time in Bedford MA. He is also survived by Kate Shanahan Ryan, his sister-in-law, and her family. His sister Patricia Carruth Tully preceded Bill in death some years ago. Bill met Sheila after his children were mostly grown. They met hiking in the White Mountains, which was a great hobby of Bill's. They realized their paths had crossed years before when they were both in Iran at the same time. Bill and Sheila made quite a pair, and traveled together to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, England, Scotland, South America as well as around the US and Canada, visiting family and friends. They lived in Newburyport MA for about 20 years before moving to Concord MA. Bill loved reading, listening to classical music, watching and identifying birds, talking with friends, family, and strangers, and napping – even in fields or anywhere; really, it was a talent! He found meaning in theology, especially Thomas Merton, and enjoyed keeping up on world events. He loved going to Cape Cod, being immersed in birdsong, and taking evening dips in the ocean. Bill's first question to his kids and to anyone who crossed his path was often "What are you reading these days?" His children made him laugh, and he enjoyed their visits. He reveled in seeing and hearing about his grandchildren and was proud of their accomplishments. He loved his sons- and daughters-in-law, speaking highly of them always. For many years the extended family would meet annually for several days hiking, while staying at the AMC huts in NH. He enjoyed going to Mass, and was always fond of the Jesuits. He loved his dogs, Rafiq, Pepé, and most recently, Skete, who really was a good girl. Bill relished simple pleasures and found beauty in life; he had a quick wit, was blessed with a positive outlook, and had a singular laugh. He followed his own path. Sometimes he got lost, but he did not mind. Loving history and poetry, we could say he took the path less traveled. Bill lived a wonderfully rich life. He will be missed and remembered by all. Relatives and friends will gather for a Funeral Mass at St. Michael Parish, 90 Concord Road, Bedford MA, on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 10 am. Please click here to view the video recording of Bill's Mass . In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the International Rescue Committee . Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.