William D. (Bill) Chard, 85, passed away peacefully at The Enclave of Scarborough on Saturday May 23rd. He was born April 16, 1941, the son of Ernest and Pearl Chard. He grew up on Glenwood Ave. in Portland. He graduated from Deering High School in 1959, where he was a football and baseball standout. He was named to the Class A All State football team as a defensive end. The Rams were one of the top teams in the state that season.

In baseball, Bill was a power hitter, known for his home runs, one of which cleared right field near Deering Oaks, sailing over the nearby railroad tracks, landing on Forest Avenue. His senior year, he broke the Telegram League’s long held home run record. He was also involved in many school activities and served as “D” Club president, once emceeing the school’s popular “D” Club show.

Bill continued his football career at the University of Maine, joining the team in his sophomore year. He steadily worked his way into the starting lineup, earning increased playing time as the season progressed. His first game as a Black Bear was against University of Massachusetts at Fitzpatrick Stadium (then known as Portland Stadium), where he had previously played in 3 Thanksgiving Day games as a Deering Ram.

Bill was a two-position player at fullback/defensive end. Senior year, he was named team MVP and the winner of the Harold S. Westerman Award (named after the legendary UMaine head coach). He also led the Black Bears in average yards per carry. He was named to the All- State series team his senior year. It was that year that the team won the Yankee Conference Championship. In 2023, this undefeated 1961 team was inducted into the UMaine Athletic Hall of Fame. His family was with him in Bangor for the celebration.

Bill graduated in 1963 as a physical education/health major and was soon hired as a teacher and coach at Portsmouth High, where he remained for 4 years. Looking to return to Maine, Bill got a teaching job at Thornton Academy in Saco. It was there where he would begin the first of many coaching positions; at Thornton, he was head freshman football coach and assistant coach for the varsity team.

After one year at TA, Bill briefly explored a career change, taking a position as a salesman for Nabisco in Portland, but it was short lived, as he soon realized his heart remained in teaching and coaching. He applied for a position at King Junior High and was hired. After King, Bill taught health at Deering and finished his teaching career at Lyman Moore Middle School, retiring in 1993.

Coaching was one of Bills greatest passions. He was Assistant Football Coach at Deering from 1978 to 1984, and Assistant Wrestling Coach from 1978 – 1988. Among his greatest joys was the opportunity to coach his sons in both sports. He was known for his intensity, relentless drive, commitment to fundamentals, and his remarkable ability to prepare, motivate, and inspire his players.

Not one for sitting still in retirement, he continued working as a bus driver for Maine Line Tours, and then for Falmouth and Portland Schools. Bill continued to stay in shape throughout his life through weightlifting and running.

Bill cherished time spent with family and especially enjoyed gatherings celebrating milestones, accomplishments, and holidays together.

Bill was predeceased by former wife, Suzanne. He is survived by son Tom Chard and wife Elise, son Stephen Chard and wife Sue, daughter Joanne Black and husband Chris, brother Tom Chard and wife Nancy of Vero Beach, FL., sister Carol Ina, of Manchester-By-The-Sea, MA., and his grandchildren, Lauren, Griffin, and Molly Black; Elissa Chard and Emilie Ward (Chard), Brianna Chard, and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held June 3rd at A.T. Hutchins, 660 Brighton Ave. Portland, from 12-3, followed by service at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory, honoring his love of football and legacy as a coach to:

Deering High School Gridiron Scholarship

Checks can be made out to Michaelangelo Floridino and sent to:

Deering High School
c/o Michael Daly
370 Stevens Ave.
Portland, ME 04103