William Phillips Hawkins

William Phillips Hawkins, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, on December 19, 2025 with his wife, Stacey "Alba" Hawkins, and his pup, Molly, by his side.

Born on June 2, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts, Bill lived his early childhood years with his parents, John and Ileen Hawkins, and his sister Becky in the idyllic coastal town of Marion, Massachusetts. He learned to love the water and boats from a young age. After his mother's tragic passing from cancer at age 44, the family relocated to Connecticut, first to Middletown and then to East Haddam where Bill was a star basketball player in High School. Bill spent most weekends with his father boating along the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. One of his first jobs was working during his teenage years in the shipyard in Essex, Connecticut repairing and restoring wooden boats. As an adult, Bill continued his joy of woodworking making beautiful mahogany furniture in his garage while he raised his two children, Kate and Bill, in Cheshire, Connecticut. Bill never lost his love of the water and spent many quiet mornings in retirement watching dolphins and manatees on Anna Maria Island, Florida.

Bill's connections to public higher education in Connecticut began early. He completed a BA in History at Central Connecticut State College (now University). His love of travel took him to Idaho State University for his MS in Counseling, and he traveled throughout the west in his little Volkswagen, visiting historic sites and national parks. His student work experience in financial aid at Idaho State University defined his career path. When Bill returned to Connecticut, he continued in Financial Aid. After a short time at Post Junior College (now University), he was hired to be the Director of Financial Aid at Western Connecticut State College (now University) in 1975. Reflecting his generous and caring nature, Bill helped countless students during his career spanning over four decades in Higher Education. In his 35 years at Western Connecticut State University, he assumed increasing responsibilities from Director of Financial Aid to Director of Admissions. In his final years at WestConn, Bill led enrollment and retention strategies as the administrative head of an entire enrollment management team. Following his retirement in 2009, Bill was appointed Interim Vice President of Enrollment at Franklin Pierce University where he applied his higher education knowledge to successfully redesign enrollment strategies at a private institution that benefited from his vast professional experience to make a difference in students' lives.

In retirement, Bill loved being a grandfather to Hailey, Jack and Hannah, taking them to Hammonasset State Park, New York City, and seeing them every day for hugs, ice cream, and family walks. After retiring from WestConn, Bill also had the freedom to travel to places he always wanted to visit: Paris, London, Vienna, Venice and Rome, Patagonia, the Panama Canal, and the Galapagos Islands. Loving warm weather and water, he traveled each winter from Connecticut to Costa Rica or Isla Mujeres, Mexico until finally deciding to relocate to Lakewood Ranch, Florida. A life-long athlete, he bicycled 10-15 miles every day around his home in the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club well into his 70s. A lover of all animals, he would often stop his bicycle to save turtles along the way.

Bill is survived by his wife Stacey "Alba" Hawkins, his children, Katherine (Jason) Greasley and William (Marcia) Hawkins, and his grandchildren Hailey, Jack and Hannah Greasley. Bill is also survived by his sister Rebecca "Becky" Valenti. He will be especially missed by his beloved pup, Molly, whose life he saved when he rescued her.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: The celebration of life to honor William P. Hawkins will be held on June 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Western Connecticut State University, Westside Campus (43 Lake Avenue Ext., Danbury, CT 06811), Visual and Performing Arts Building, Veronica Hagman Concert Hall with a reception to follow.

A private family graveside service will be held in Marion, MA.

DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the WCSU Foundation for the

William P. Hawkins Memorial Scholarship:

-By check: Payable to "WCSU Foundation." Memo "Hawkins Scholarship."

Send to: WCSU Foundation, 181 White Street Danbury, CT 06810

-Online: https://www.wcsu.edu/giving/. 1) Click "Give Now" 2) Choose "Other" and 3) Note "Hawkins Scholarship."