ADAMS, Mass. —  

William J. Greilich Sr. passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, at Langdon Place in Exeter, New Hampshire, after a brief illness. Known to many as Bill, he was lovingly called “Chief” by his children and grandchildren, a name that captured both his steady presence and his quiet leadership.

Bill was born on October 28, 1929, in Adams, Massachusetts, to Fritz Greilich and Elizabeth Thoros. Adams was his home for more than ninety years, the town that shaped him and that he, in turn, helped shape. In 2022, he moved to Exeter to be closer to family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly seventy years, Barbara (Gagne) Greilich, in 2019, and by his son, William J. Greilich Jr., in 2024. Bill and Barbara were married on September 9, 1950, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in hard work, family, and devotion to their community.

For over fifty years, Bill and Barbara owned and operated Greilich’s Market in Adams, a place that was far more than a butcher shop. It was a gathering spot, a tradition, and a point of pride for the town. As a fifth-generation German butcher, Bill carried on a legacy passed down from his father, Fritz, who emigrated to the United States in 1926. Greilich’s Market was known for its handcrafted German sausages, Polish kielbasa, hot dogs and quality meats, but it was also remembered for its warmth and old-world charm. Walking through the door felt like stepping into a small village in Germany, something Bill was deeply proud of.

In his younger years, Bill served with Company M, 104th Infantry of the Massachusetts National Guard, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. He also served as Grand Exalted Ruler of the Adams Elks, a role he embraced with pride and dedication. Even after retirement, Bill never stopped working or giving back. He worked several summers at Mt. Greylock Greenhouses, served the Town of Adams as Sealer of Weights and Measures and as a Census Collector. Bill also volunteered faithfully at the Adams Senior Center.

Above all else, Bill loved Adams. He loved its people, its traditions, and its history. He held a deep respect for his German heritage and shared that pride with his children and grandchildren, passing down not only traditions but values, integrity, perseverance, and the importance of community.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Jan Goolbis of Nashua, NH; his son-in-law, Robert Goolbis, Sr. of Bennington, NH; and his daughter-in-law, Monique Greilich of Salisbury, MA. He was a proud grandfather to Daniela Vyas (Jay) of Mountain View, CA; Nicholas Greilich (Linette) of Essex Junction, VT; Paul Greilich (Erika) of Jupiter, FL; Robert Goolbis, Jr. (Alison) of Waltham, MA; and Carly Goolbis (Ben) of Amesbury, MA.

His greatest joy came from his role as “Gramps” and “Grumpers” to his six great-grandchildren: Santiago Blas-Vyas, Jay Vyas Jr., Donovan Greilich, Lucia Greilich, Ava Goolbis and Sophia Goolbis each of whom brought him immense pride and happiness.

The family is deeply grateful to the compassionate staff at Langdon Place and Beacon Hospice of Portsmouth for the kindness and care shown to Bill during his final days.

A memorial commemoration will be held in August in Adams, a place Bill never stopped calling home. Interment will be at Bellevue Cemetery.