William J. “Bill” Drzyzga, 80, of Essex Junction, Vt., passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Mass. Born in Springfield, Mass., on October 12, 1945, he was the son of the late William J. Drzyzga and Genevive (Wojtowicz) Drzyzga.
Bill spent his adult life in Vermont, following an honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force, where he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He served in the Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG) 158th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, retiring from a decorated career as a senior master sergeant and flight line chief. He received many awards and commendations throughout his career noting Bill’s dedication, professionalism and teamwork.
Following his retirement, Bill could be found outdoors doing the things he loved most: hunting and fishing. He served at the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department for a number of years, helping to stock the local waters with trout. In the spring and summer, Bill was an avid trout fisherman. Many Septembers, Bill passed time with family and friends fishing for stripers on Plum Island in Massachusetts, where he landed a number of “keepers.” As soon as hunting season began, Bill could be found up at deer camp, where he enjoyed the company of his friends during the long days and nights of late fall. And he was always up for a game of cribbage.
William is survived by his sister Sandra (Drzyzga) Ashton; brother-in-law, William Ashton; and his many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister Joyce (Drzyzga) Harris.
A memorial service and military burial will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, 1 p.m., at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel in Randolph, Vt. Memorial donations can be made to the ASPCA (aspca.org). Arrangements are by the Campbell Funeral Home, 6 High St., Ipswich, MA. For additional information and to share condolences, visit campbellfuneral.com.