William F. Priest Jr.

William F. Priest Jr.
William F. Priest Jr., known as Bill or Billy to many, passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 87. A resident of Stratford for over fifty years, Bill was a hardworking man, a veteran, a father and an excellent storyteller-especially if the story involved the best route to take between two points.
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on June 25, 1938, Bill was the son of the late William Priest Sr. and Esther Priest. He grew up in Bridgeport before answering the call to serve his country. Joining the United States Army in 1956, Bill served overseas in Korea, where he built roads and drove for the military. He was recalled to service in 1961 during the Berlin Wall Crisis.
His time behind the wheel in the Army paved the way for an over 30-year career as a truck driver with Red Star Express and later Ryder. Bill took immense pride in his vocation, often declaring himself a "professional driver" who knew the American landscape better than a Rand McNally atlas. He was eager and determined to teach his own children how to drive when it was their turn to get behind the wheel.
Outside of work, Bill was a man of many hobbies and a competitive spirit. He was often the best pool player in the room and an avid bowler who famously-and heartbreakingly-once rolled a 299, missing perfection by a single, stubborn pin. He spent many happy hours at the Short Beach Golf Course in Stratford, and in quieter moments, he could be found with a guitar in hand, singing country songs for anyone who would listen. He also enjoyed playing horseshoes either with his friends or while taking breaks from mowing the lawn.
A lifelong sports fan, Bill's loyalty to the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, and both the UCONN Men's and Women's basketball teams was well-known. His family often knew exactly how the game was going based on the cheers, or critiques, heard from the next room.
Bill shared 52 years of marriage with his wife, Sandra (Donofrio) Priest, whom he is survived by. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Dore Bristol. Bill is survived by his children: daughter Stacy Eskeland and her husband Oddgier; daughter Brooke Stones and her husband Greg; and son William Priest III and his wife Sarah. He was a proud grandfather to Emma, Jack, Josiah, Will, and Georgia. He enjoyed watching them participate in their various sports and activities throughout the years. Additionally, he is survived by a sister, Vivian Cheeseman and her husband John.
Per Bill's wishes, funeral services will be private to the family. Bill will be interred at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield, Connecticut.