R. William Reinsmith

1936 - 2014

R. William Reinsmith, beloved father, passed away on July 8, 2014 at the age of 78. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his death in the home of his daughter Jennifer, where he had been residing for the past year and half in Houston, Texas. Born January 25, 1936 in Pipestone, Minnesota to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Roy Reinsmith. Bill's mother, Beulah (Schipull) died a few weeks after his birth and his father died prior to his first birthday. He was raised by his sister Kathryn and husband Bruce Cummins in Watertown, SD. Despite these early set backs, his perseverance resulted in numerous accomplishments throughout his entire life both academically and athletically. He was selected by his high school teachers to be Watertown High School outstanding student representative at the South Dakota State Student Recognition Week. He was an outstanding football and basketball player and he loved pheasant hunting. He made lifelong friends but most importantly he met and married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, the late Ann Trandal. Bill and Ann were elected Watertown Homecoming King and princess and Valentine king and queen by TUCKS. Bill graduated with high honors from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, 1958. He graduated Yale Law School, 1961, he served his country as a JACG, Captain in the US Army, 1961-1963, he then went on to work for Prutzman, Hayes, Kalb & Chilton, 1963-1978, Hayes & Reinsmith, 1978- 1996 and Murtha Cullina, 1996 until he retired in 2005. Bill had a generous spirit as demonstrated by the many years of service he gave to the town of West Hartford as: president of the PTA Council, vice chair of the WH Parking Authority, member and chairman of TPZ, WH YMCA board member and chairman, president of Rockledge Men's Club, on the board of directors of the VNA. He was also a member of Saint James, the Yale Club, president and chairman of Yale Law School Association of Hartford and Eastern Connecticut and many other organizations. Although his accomplishments were many, what he treasured most was his family. He lived his life with integrity and joy regardless of the challenges faced. Bill fought until his last breath. He leaves his three children Elizabeth Sinatro and husband Matthew of Seattle, Jennifer Brock and husband Paul of Houston and Paul Reinsmith and wife Pam Sullivan of Boston; six grandsons: James, Matthew and Daniel Sinatro, Connor and Trey Brock and Will Reinsmith, sister, Elizabeth Thomas and brother Robert (Chip) Cummins, nieces and nephews: Glen Bahde, son of his late sister Connie, Stefan Thomas, Katie Hankinson, and Ann and Beth Cummins. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory can be made for the abandoned, the abused and the neglected: The Mercy Home for Boys, 1140 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60607-2906. Funeral and burial services are yet to be determined.