1933
William
2024
William Haddad
September 12, 1933 — July 12, 2024
William Haddad Obituary
William Haddad, 90, of Windham, CT passed away surrounded by family on July 12, 2024. Bill was an extraordinary son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather. Born September 12, 1933, in Willimantic, CT, he was the son of James and Mary Haddad and the proud brother of 14 siblings.
Bill was a lifelong resident of Willimantic. After graduating from Windham High School, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force with an older brother, serving in South Carolina, New York and the Philippine Islands. After discharge, he returned home before joining the Merchant Marines. After serving for two years, he came back to Willimantic where he met the love of his life, Mary Louise Barlow. On June 18, 1960, Bill and Mary Lou were wed and began their 63-year marriage. Mary Lou preceded Bill in death on August 2, 2023. Without her by his side, his heart remained broken until his own passing.
After graduating from Willimantic State Teachers College (now Eastern Connecticut State University), Bill began his lifelong career as an educator in the Windham Public Schools as a 5th grade teacher at Windham Center School. Bill earned his master’s degree from the University of Connecticut, and eventually became principal of Windham Center School where he served in that role until his retirement in 1999. He continued to serve as a temporary administrator in the district for the next 5 years. He touched the lives of so many children and families he met. He often said it never felt like a job, because he had such a passion for his work.
Bill and Mary Lou traveled the world with friends and family. They especially loved Hawaii and Europe, making multiple trips to each destination. They enjoyed frequent trips to California and wherever they could spend time with family and friends, something that was very important to them both. One of Bill’s favorite trips was a cruise originating from Dubai, through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea. That trip allowed Bill and Mary Lou to see the Middle East for the first time.
Bill was a larger-than-life figure to his 6 grandchildren, so much so that it warranted two names! “Papa” on the east coast, and “Papi” on the west. He relished any opportunity to spend time with Danielle, Allyson, Mia, Kai, Ava, and William, forging an amazing bond with each of them as he encouraged them to chase their dreams. They are forever changed by his advice and incredible acts of love.
As huge sports fans, Bill and Mary Lou loved their UConn Huskies. They frequently traveled to watch both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. They attended multiple women’s Final Fours and Bill was very happy when he met some former UConn players at these events. He was always excited about trips to the annual Army- Navy football game to cheer Army on to victory.
In addition to his grandchildren, he leaves behind his daughter Tammy Matsunami and husband Keith, his son Bill and wife Nicole, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings George, Edmund, Mitchell, Alfred, Louis, Catherine, Asper, Alexander, Mildred, Edna, Isabelle, Munere, Rosie and Edward. The son of immigrants, Bill was the last remaining of the most amazing family of 17. We are comforted to know they are all together again.
Bill will be missed by all who knew him. A deeply caring man, he had a gift of making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate the joy he brought and the difference he made.
Rest in peace dear Dad, Papa, and Papi. While we will never be the same, how blessed we were to call you ours.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 2nd from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Potter Funeral home, 456 Jackson Street Willimantic, CT. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 3rd at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT. Burial will follow at the New Willimantic Cemetery, 1745 West Main Street, Willimantic, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Leigh Soto ’08 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund at Eastern Connecticut State University. Ms. Soto was a teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School. To learn more and donate please visit www.easternct.edu/give/give-to-eastern.html
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William Haddad, 90, of Windham, CT passed away surrounded by family on July 12, 2024. Bill was an extraordinary son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather. Born September 12, 1933, in Willimantic, CT, he was the son of James and Mary Haddad and the proud brother of 14 siblings.
Bill was a lifelong resident of Willimantic. After graduating from Windham High School, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force with an older brother, serving in South Carolina, New York and the Philippine Islands. After discharge, he returned home before joining the Merchant Marines. After serving for two years, he came back to Willimantic where he met the love of his life, Mary Louise Barlow. On June 18, 1960, Bill and Mary Lou were wed and began their 63-year marriage. Mary Lou preceded Bill in death on August 2, 2023. Without her by his side, his heart remained broken until his own passing.
After graduating from Willimantic State Teachers College (now Eastern Connecticut State University), Bill began his lifelong career as an educator in the Windham Public Schools as a 5th grade teacher at Windham Center School. Bill earned his master’s degree from the University of Connecticut, and eventually became principal of Windham Center School where he served in that role until his retirement in 1999. He continued to serve as a temporary administrator in the district for the next 5 years. He touched the lives of so many children and families he met. He often said it never felt like a job, because he had such a passion for his work.
Bill and Mary Lou traveled the world with friends and family. They especially loved Hawaii and Europe, making multiple trips to each destination. They enjoyed frequent trips to California and wherever they could spend time with family and friends, something that was very important to them both. One of Bill’s favorite trips was a cruise originating from Dubai, through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea. That trip allowed Bill and Mary Lou to see the Middle East for the first time.
Bill was a larger-than-life figure to his 6 grandchildren, so much so that it warranted two names! “Papa” on the east coast, and “Papi” on the west. He relished any opportunity to spend time with Danielle, Allyson, Mia, Kai, Ava, and William, forging an amazing bond with each of them as he encouraged them to chase their dreams. They are forever changed by his advice and incredible acts of love.
As huge sports fans, Bill and Mary Lou loved their UConn Huskies. They frequently traveled to watch both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. They attended multiple women’s Final Fours and Bill was very happy when he met some former UConn players at these events. He was always excited about trips to the annual Army- Navy football game to cheer Army on to victory.
In addition to his grandchildren, he leaves behind his daughter Tammy Matsunami and husband Keith, his son Bill and wife Nicole, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings George, Edmund, Mitchell, Alfred, Louis, Catherine, Asper, Alexander, Mildred, Edna, Isabelle, Munere, Rosie and Edward. The son of immigrants, Bill was the last remaining of the most amazing family of 17. We are comforted to know they are all together again.
Bill will be missed by all who knew him. A deeply caring man, he had a gift of making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate the joy he brought and the difference he made.
Rest in peace dear Dad, Papa, and Papi. While we will never be the same, how blessed we were to call you ours.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 2nd from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Potter Funeral home, 456 Jackson Street Willimantic, CT. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 3rd at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT. Burial will follow at the New Willimantic Cemetery, 1745 West Main Street, Willimantic, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Leigh Soto ’08 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund at Eastern Connecticut State University. Ms. Soto was a teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School. To learn more and donate please visit www.easternct.edu/give/give-to-eastern.html
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of William Haddad, please visit our floral store.
Read More
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Haddad, please visit our flower store.
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