MECHANIC FALLS — William E. Ahlberg Jr., 67, of Mechanic Falls, passed away peacefully on Dec. 2 at his home on Brown Road, after a courageous five-year battle with colon and liver cancer. His loving wife, Sandy, and family were by his side.

He was born in New Bedford, Mass., on May 25, 1943, son of the late William and Ethyle (Riley) Ahlberg. Bill graduated from Wareham High School in Massachusetts in 1961.

In 1962 he joined and served in the  U.S. Navy for eight years as a Jet Mechanic Second Class. During his tour in 1965, he was stationed in Brunswick, where he met and married the late Linda (Scott) Ahlberg. When his tour ended on April 1, 1970, he worked for a short time in the shoe industry, then went to General Electric in Auburn where he worked for 31 years as a dispatcher and a press operator until he retired in 2001. Bill married the former Sandra G. Coulombe in 1987, bringing their two beautiful families together.

Bill enjoyed being with his family, camping, fishing, playing cards, especially “Screw your neighbor,” and had a passion for working on his 1962 Corvette. He kept in touch with all of his Navy buddies that always brought him joy.

Bill will always be remembered and admired for his wonderful sense of humor that never once faded during his long battle, his love for his wife and family and his beautiful poems.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sandra Ahlberg; seven children, son, Scott and wife, Gena, of Litchfield, son, Jeff and wife, Renee, of Wales, daughter, Jenn of Lewiston, son, Carl Swift and wife, Laurie, of North Monmouth, daughter, Debbie (Swift) Parsons and husband, Dave, of Oldsmar, Fla., son, David Swift of Auburn and daughter, Pam (Swift) Knight of Lewiston; 14 granddaughters; six grandsons; one great-granddaughter; and one great-grandson.

The family wishes to thank Bill’s doctors and nurses for all of the loving care they gave him and are grateful for all the prayers and support given by extended family and friends.