William E. Cone Jr.

Hampton - William Edwin Cone Jr., age 85, of Hampton, NH and Naples, FL, died at home, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, after a cancer reoccurrence. Bill’s happy place was spending time on the various boats he owned throughout his life, many of them named the Sugar Cone. He taught countless friends and family how to water ski. He was patient and encouraging. In retirement years, he was the captain of his pontoon boat heading out to Keewaydin Island for picnics and gathering shells. Another lifelong passion was playing cards. His parents were avid card players, and he followed suit. He felt every day was a good day to play bridge, pinochle, or whist. He enjoyed the laughter and good-natured rivalry with friends around the table. Bill was a pioneer in the IT industry, running one of the early generation IBM computers in the late 1960’s. He was very proud of this accomplishment and spent his entire 38-year career at Sprague Electric (later Vishay). His problem-solving abilities were also evident around the house. Bill was Mr. Fix-it and was always willing to lend a hand or share his knowledge. Bill is survived by his wife and love of his life, Lynn Stengl Cone. They both grew up in Dalton, MA and attended school together starting in the 1st grade. They became high school sweethearts and enjoyed 63 years of marriage. He is also survived by his two children, Nadine Guerin and husband Chaz, William Cone III and wife Melanie, his brother, James Cone and wife Lori, his five grandchildren, Melanie Guerin Uher and husband Nate, Matthew Guerin and fiancé Olivia, William IV, Benjamin, and Martin Cone, and his great-grandson Elliot Uher. Bill loved his family with all his heart and was known for giving the very best hugs. His best friend and cousin, Jack Gaudette, preceded Bill in death. They were like brothers, joining the Army National Guard at the same time. Their families enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, boating and bowling together. A Celebration Of Life will be held on May 23, 2025, at 11am at The Old Salt, 490 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH. Brunch will be served. For planning purposes, please RSVP to nadine@snowflakesoft.com if you can join us. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Vincent DePaul of Hampton, 289 Lafayette Road, Hampton NH 03842 or to the Hampton Community Coalition, 200 High Street, Hampton, NH 03842.