William (Bill) LaMachia, Age 59, passed away at Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo, MI, on August 30, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Boston, MA, on April 13, 1964, the son of William F. and Laura (McNamara) LaMachia. On May 25, 1985, he married the love of his life, Ruth (Young) LaMachia.

Bill was caring, tender, and loving. He was a devoted husband, caring father, and faithful friend. Though he faced many difficulties in life, he always tried his best to be there for those he loved. He loved being outdoors, hunting and fishing, and took every opportunity he could to connect with nature. He was a history buff and enjoyed learning about the events that shaped our nation as well as the local history of the places he lived. Bill was very sociable, loved taking the time to get to know people, and rarely traveled anywhere he didn’t make a friend. Above all his passion was for art. His love of art started at the foot of his mother’s bed. She was forced to complete bed rest when he was younger. She passed the time with painting and drawing and thus it began. He attended Gordon College in 1982 as a bible major and then transferred to Bethel College in 1984 to pursue an education in art. In 1985 he began attending Massachusetts College of Art, studying both ceramics and design. He made one more move to Central Connecticut State University where he graduated in 1991 with a BS. Degree in fine art and ceramics. He began showing work in galleries throughout New England and participated in several juried shows, both nationally and internationally. He and his wife opened The Potter’s House Gallery and Studios in New Britain, CT. In 2004 they moved to Rock Branch, WV where he built a studio in his garage. In 2010 he began experiencing severe back pain. In 2012 they moved to Kalamazoo where his family found a home with a large painting studio. He started focusing on pastels, charcoal, and watercolors. He described his motivation for the paintings he did as follows, “I am drawn to images and subject matter that are easily overlooked or even disregarded altogether. I try to find the beauty in the ‘missed’ and/or taken for granted.” That was really his motto for life not just with his artwork. All who loved him will miss his smile, laughter, and gifts.

Bill is survived by his wife Ruth, two children, Justin (Rachel) LaMachia, Liz Bethard; grandchildren, Imogen and Maxine; siblings, Amy LaMachia, Kim (Wayne) Shaffer, Libby (Chuck) Waterman; his father William (Karen). He was preceded in passing by his mother, Laura, and father-in-law, Jerry Young.