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William McCourt Obituary
He was born Feb. 10, 1941, in New London, to William J. and Elizabeth McCourt. He had two brothers, David and John, and a sister, Mary.
Bill graduated high school from St. Johns Preparatory in Danvers, Mass., then went on to attend Villanova University. He was co-owner of ABCO Welding & Industrial Supply in Waterford, the company that his father, William J., started in 1921. He began his career at ABCO as a truck delivery driver and then on to a lengthy career in sales where his positive and outgoing attitude continued to grow relationships in business. He brought his continued successes to other organizations such as the Independent Welders Supply Cooperative (IWDC) and Gases and Welding Distributor Association (GAWDA),where his industrial knowledge and leadership brought both ABCO and these organizations to new levels.
He was a lifelong member of Red Sox nation, a 20-year friend of Bill W. He loved outdoor activities, going to Maine whether it was for snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, or just relaxing with friends and family. Hunting and competing with his Labrador retrievers had become a hobby for the past 15 years. He became an AKC Field Trial Judge and an officer of the Shoreline Retriever Club. He was a member of Snake Meadow Rod & Gun Club in Killingly.
Bill is survived by his wife, Sandi McCourt; his three sons, William of Danvers, Mass., Richard and his wife, Melissa, of East Hampton, Matthew and his wife, Tricia, of Colchester; grandchildren, Taylor, Samantha, Jessica, Kevin, Zachary, Ryan, Sarah, Conor, and Kaylea; a great-grandchild Aiden; and his brother, David and sister, Mary McCourt Sheffield. He also leaves his Labrador retrievers, Blaze, Buck, and Nemo.
He was predeceased by his father, William J., mother, Elizabeth, and his brother, John.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, at St. Paul in Chains Church, Rope Ferry Road, Waterford. Entombment will follow in St. Mary Mausoleum, New London. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to the Connecticut Hospice of Branford or The Big Brothers Big Sisters of New London County.
For directions, obituary information, to sign the family's online register book, or to send the family a online condolence, please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William McCourt
Hunt Bascom
February 3, 2020
Never thought of him as less than a best friend that would offer support at any time. A true dog lover.
Pamela Perry
February 17, 2011
I'm sooooo sorry for your loss Bunny. Peace to you and your family.
February 13, 2011
Dear Rick: We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Please extend our sympathy to your family.
Sally and Ron Rose
Ken & Patricia Davis
February 13, 2011
Sandi,
So sorry for your loss. The Field Trial World has lost another great competitor.
February 13, 2011
Sandi, my heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family. Carol Ralph (Lancaster, Ohio)
Patricia Larsen
February 13, 2011
Sandi and Family,
My heart is with you all. The Field Trial world has lost a great champion and you have lost a beautiful and cherished man. I will be thinking of you in the days ahead and hope for peace in your hearts. Bill was a true gentleman.
Shawn & Janis Palmer
February 12, 2011
Matt & family,
So sorry for the loss of your Dad. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Remember all the happy memories - those are yours forever.
Kevin Kenyon
February 12, 2011
Dear Dave and Mary,
I was saddened to read of Bill's passing. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
February 12, 2011
To the McCourt Family; My condolences to you for your loss. I was totally surprised when I read the GAWDA news letter. Bill will be missed by all. A great guy who always gave me the time of day when I visited with his company.
Larry Vogel
Norris Cylinder Company
Linda V. Tomaszek
February 11, 2011
Sandi, Bill, Rick, Matt, David, Mary, Kathy and families, and the Big ABCO family
Our sincerest condolences to you all. I am still shocked that Bill was taken so young. He was always concerned for others and never complained about himself. He will be deeply missed by many including myself. Bill was a GREAT BOSS who brought out the best in everyone he had working for him and did it in a very gentle, kind and concerning manner and he considered us employees also his family. He was there for me when my husband was in school and I was having my first child, always making sure I had what I needed while on maternity leave. One GREAT BOSS, and very dear friend who will be missed.
This poem helped me when my Dad died and I hope it will do the same for you all.
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
With love and big hugs to you all,
Linda Tomaszek and family-- Tom, Deb, TJ, Kevin, Zachary
Gary & Lisa Hall
February 11, 2011
Sandi, Billy,Matt, Ricky and the McCourt Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. You have our deepest sympathy.
Glenn Kathe
February 11, 2011
Rick & Matt,
My condolences to you and all of your family for your loss. Your father was a very respected man and he will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
Live life on lifes terms.
Mark L
February 11, 2011
Bill always had me in tears with his 'passing gas' jokes! My sincerest condolences to all the family.
February 10, 2011
Sandi& children, David and Mary. My condolances on your loss. Our families have been connected since our childhood and our mother's nursing school days. Bill will be sadly missed.
With sincere Sympathy,
Gail Lieberman Hamsher
February 9, 2011
Sandi, Dave and all your family,
Bill's loss is felt all the way to the West Coast. We won't be able to visit Waterford without thinking of Bill. He was a loyal friend despite the geographic distance.
Love,
Hunt & Patti Bascom
David Deckler
February 9, 2011
my deepest condolence, Bill was an insparation,to me,he help me out alot,always listened to me when i was struggling with my addication! may he rest in peace! 1 Day @ A Time
John Fabrizio
February 9, 2011
Ricky and Matt it was truly great to work for your father he will be missed by all of the ABCO family.
Betty Knox
February 9, 2011
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He was a kind and gentle spirit and the world is a sadder place without him. My sympathy to the McCourt family.
Carole Baier
February 9, 2011
Dear McCourt family, May your memories and the prayers of many comfort you at this most difficult time. You are all in my prayers.
Mr,Mrs Vrooman
February 9, 2011
Dear McCourt family, May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the day's ahead.
Maureen & Gerry Fitzpatrick_Neipp
February 9, 2011
We were saddened to learn of Bill's passing. Our deepest sympathy to the McCourt Family.
Marsh A. Enquist
February 9, 2011
Dave,so sorry for the loss of your brother .
Lisa Gillern
February 9, 2011
Bill was a good man. He helped a lot of
people. He will be missed by many.
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Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London12 Ocean Avenue, New London, CT 06320
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