Dr. Willard Herbert Daniels

Dr. Willard Herbert Daniels, 91, died on November 23, 2015, at the Mansfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Storrs, Conn. Born to the late Lewis and Elizabeth (Roberts) Daniels, he grew up on the family's dairy farm in Middletown, Conn. Willard loved life on the farm and felt a deep connection to these roots throughout his life. As a young boy, he resolved to pursue a career in veterinary medicine when his much-loved pony sustained an injury requiring veterinary care. From here on, his career resolve never wavered, and, after graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1942, he entered Cornell University as a pre-veterinary student and later was admitted to the school's College of Veterinary Medicine. His education was interrupted, however, when he enlisted in the U. S. Army. Upon discharge, he returned to Cornell and shortly thereafter met his wife Jessie (née Bushnell). He received his DVM degree in 1949. Afterwards, he returned to Middletown to work with Dr. Niel Pieper. Several years later, he relocated and established the Guilford Veterinary Hospital, where he enjoyed his mixed animal practice for eleven years. In 1965, he was invited by the Dean of the College of Agriculture at the University of Connecticut to join the faculty in what was then the Dept. of Animal Diseases (later Dept. of Pathobiology) to serve as the Extension Veterinarian for the State of Connecticut. While at the University, he taught undergraduate courses in animal diseases and livestock management, authored many publications, provided veterinary care for the farm animals in the College of Agriculture, served as Pathobiology's Acting Department Head from 1969 to 1971, and its Assistant Department Head from 1971 to 1987. Perhaps his most rewarding responsibility was serving as advisor to the undergraduates in the pre-veterinary program. He was much loved by his students, always taking a special interest in advancing their careers. It was a great joy when one of his advisees gained acceptance to Veterinary school, and many of those he mentored are practicing veterinarians today. In 1987, Willard retired from the Dept. of Pathobiology as a full Professor after twenty-two years of service. Ever devoted to his profession, he was a member of many professional organizations, e.g., having served as President of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, as President of the New England Veterinary Medical Association, and as a Connecticut delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association. He was twice appointed by the Governor to a 5-year term on the state's Board of Veterinary Registration and Examination. In 1985, he was named Veterinarian of the Year by the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association. Following retirement from the University, he returned to practicing veterinary medicine on a part-time basis until being diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. In his last years, he continued to enjoy life. Even in the face of advancing dementia, he steadfastly maintained his friendly spirit and kind heart, always loving to be in the company of others. In addition to his beloved wife of 66 years Jessie, Willard leaves his sons Stephen, Willard Jr. (Bill) and wife Sue, Scott and wife Joanie; and his four grandchildren, Laura, Tim, Jessie, and Leigh. He is also survived by his sister Bette Moore, sisters-in-law Carrie Daniels and Jan Daniels, cousin Jane Mazzotta and her husband Guy, and many nieces, nephews, and friends whom he loved dearly. He was pre-deceased by his brothers Lewis and Raymond and brother-in-law Thomas Moore. A service commemorating Willard's life will be held on Wednesday, December 9th at 2 p.m. at the Storrs Congregational Church in Storrs, CT, where he was a member for nearly 50 years. A private interment in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Middletown, will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Willard's name to the Willard H. Daniels-Salvatore Orsini Scholarship Fund, Acct. #30316, University of Connecticut Foundation, 2390 Alumni Drive, Storrs, CT 06269 or to the Alzheimer's Association, CT Chapter, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the staff at the Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation for the loving care provided to Willard during the last months of his life. For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.