Photo courtesy of Byles-Groton Memorial Home - Groton
Groton, Connecticut
Dec 8, 1946 – Feb 19, 2025
WILLIAM DOUGLAS FOSSUM, age 78 of Gales Ferry, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London surrounded by family.
He was born in Chicago, IL on Dec. 8, 1946, the son of Arnold and Patricia Johnson Fossum. William was married to Ellen Bothamly on Oct. 16, 1993 at their home.
He graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan in 1969 with a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and had worked for more than 35 years as a Naval Architect for General Dynamics at the Quincy Shipyard in MA, the Quonset Point Facility in RI, and Electric Boat Co. in Groton.
A “walking encyclopedia,” Bill was extremely knowledgeable about all things — particularly history and fine art — and was committed to preserving local history, serving for many years as the Chairman of the Historic District Commission for the Town of Ledyard and devoting many years of service to the Ledyard Historical Society. He was an avid woodworker and worked for more than 50 years to restore his cape-style home that was built by Lieutenant Joseph Lewis in 1765.
Besides his wife Ellen, he is survived by his daughter, Kristen Fossum (Michael) of Northampton, MA, his stepson Jason Morrill (Sheri) of Woodbridge, CT, his former spouse Rose Krumm-Fossum of Norwich, CT, his brothers, John (Nancy) of Bigfork, MN, Gerald (Julia) of Sarasota, FL, his sisters, Margery Stembel of Silver Spring, MD and Marilyn Weih, of Mountain View, AR, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Gail Fossum.
Visiting hours will be from 4 to 6 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St. Private interment will be in Avery Stoddard Cemetery, Ledyard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Avalonia Land Conservancy, Inc. at PO Box 49, Old Mystic, CT 06372 or online at avalonia.org/donate/.
Read MoreDear Ellen & Family; I enjoyed my times with Bill, both at EB and also during Ledyard Historical Society Events.
Ed Lamb
February 23, 2025 | Other
Ellen and Family... I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. Bill...Thank you for keeping an eye out for my Dad (Ron Ceravolo). He enjoyed your visits...
Kathy (Ceravolo) Pennella
February 23, 2025
Ellen and Kristen so sorry to hear about our loss. We shared the sad news with our family and our oldest son Michael responded that Bill “was always memorably nice”. Could not have expressed it any better. Jerry
Gerald Fossum
February 23, 2025 | Sarasota, FL | Brother
Rest in Peace
Dave Fairman
February 23, 2025 | Other
Dear Ellen and Kristen,
I cherish many lovely memories of my only older brother. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We are sad for ourselves but are glad that Bill is now pain free and away from the trials of old age. I hope you can remember the good times of your wedding, trips abroad, New Hampshire holidays, playing with Dad as a young person and seeing his pride in you at graduations. Cherish these memories.
All my love, Marge
Marge Stembel
February 22, 2025 | Silver Spring, MD | Family
Ellen and Kristen, so sorry for your loss. May it be a comfort that Bill is now at peace and free of the constrictions of life. While Bob is mapping the heavens, Bill is sailing them appreciating their artistic beauty.
Marilyn Weih
February 22, 2025 | Mountain View, AR | Family
To me, Bill always seemed larger than life. He always taught me a little something and made me laugh, sometimes all in one package (uff da!) I will cherish those memories.
Sending all of my love to Ellen, Kristin & all who knew & loved Bill.
Misa
February 22, 2025 | Plantsville, CT | Friend
