ASHLAND — William “Will” D. Cabell, Jr., 78, of Ashland, NH, died on January 11, 2025, after a long illness.
He was the son of William and Ellen Cabell. He grew up in Chappaqua, NY, but after spending each childhood summer at the family camp on Squam Lake and attending Belknap College in Center Harbor, he decided to settle in New Hampshire.
Will began acting in college productions and then went on to perform with The Barnstormers Theater. He was a member of the resident company from the early 1970’s until the late 1990’s.
In 1976 Will formed Starbird Puppet Theatre with his wife, Susan Ackley. They made all their puppets and Will specialized in devising clever mechanisms for manipulating them. They toured around New England and New York and did extended artist residencies in Alaska and Russia.
Will also worked with Underground Railway Theater in Boston. He created large puppets and performed with them nationally and internationally, often accompanied by live symphony orchestras.
He was part of a folk trio, “Home for Dinner,” and was the choir director at Trinity Church in Meredith for many years.
He earned an MA degree in Arts in Education from Plymouth State University. He taught music and art to children with disabilities at the Monarch School in Rochester NH, work which he particularly loved.
Will is survived by his wife Susan, his daughter Hannah Cabell, his son William (Andy) Cabell, four beloved grandchildren, his sister Kathleen Hildreth, three nephews and many cousins.
Visiting hours will be held from 3 to 6 pm, Monday, January 20, 2025, at Mayhew Funeral Home 204 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Trinity Church, 93 NH Route 25 East, Meredith.
Donations may be sent in his name to Trinity Church, the NH Food Bank, or Advice to the Players in Sandwich NH.
Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, go to mayhew funeral home memory page.