William Merritt Correllus, 84, of Oak Bluffs, and Little Egg Harbor, N.J., died on Thursday, June 15, 2017, at 3:30 pm in Manahawkin, N.J. Bill was born at home at the State Forest in Edgartown on April 7, 1933. His father was the state forester for 50 years, and it bears his name, Manuel F. Correllus State Forest. His mother, Hilda Merritt Correllus, was a private-duty nurse and homemaker. William attended Edgartown School, and upon graduation enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.
He married his high school sweetheart, Geraldine Ann (Veira) Correllus, while he was home on leave at Christmas, on Dec. 29, 1951, in the winter church of Our Lady Star of the Sea. Together they raised a family of six, three sons and three daughters: William A. Correllus and wife Deborah of Merritt Island, Fla., deceased son Barry E. Correllus and wife Molly of Zanesville, Ohio, Patti Leighton and husband Raymond of Oak Bluffs, Robert M. Correllus and wife Lynne of North Attleboro, Barbara Leonard and husband Brett of Vineyard Haven, Brenda Goodwin and husband Aaron of Aurora, Mo. The couple also invited into the family a foreign exchange student from Brazil, Rodolfo “Rudy” Roehrig.
Bill received the Meritorious Service Medal as he distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Office of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe’s Representative to the Joint Coordination Center from Feb. 17, 1970, to April 1, 1972. This culminated a distinguished career in the service of his country. Bill and Gerri retired from the Air Force after 21 years of service, a tour to Thailand, and two tours abroad in England and Brussels.
Bill and Gerri worked side by side when they took over the family grocery business, Tony’s Market, in 1972, and turned the mom-and-pop store into a bustling business. They added beer and wine the following year, along with expanding to add the first lottery location on the Island. Bill enjoyed seeing his regular customers, and welcoming the summer crowds. Bill learned the game of darts while stationed in Burderop Park, Wiltshire, England, and started the first dart league on-Island at the Portuguese-American Club in 1976. In 1992 came a second retirement, when he and Gerri sold Tony’s to Dave and Ellen Richardson.
In retirement he enjoyed woodworking and making furniture for his family. He always had an “open door” policy at his house, hosting family, friends, and friends of friends on Winthrop Avenue, Oak Bluffs. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Geraldine of 57 years, his brother Richard Correllus, his sisters Jean A. Ward and Judith M. Strimel.
Services were held on June 27, at Our Lady Star of the Sea on Massasoit Avenue, Oak Bluffs. Burial was at Sacred Heart Cemetery, with a reception at the Portuguese-American Club. Donations in Bill’s name may be made to Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, Veterans Outreach Program.