William J. CALHOUN Jr.

CALHOUN, William J., Jr. It is with heavy hearts that the family and friends of William J Calhoun Jr. announce his unexpected passing on Monday, (February 22, 2010). Bill, as he was known to us all, was the devoted husband of Jessica and the proud father of "Liam" William Joseph Calhoun III, Caelyn Campbell, Alana Elizabeth and Rian Grace. He was born on February 16, 1963 to William and Simone Calhoun. He attended public schools in Manchester and graduated from Manchester High in 1981. He attended college at the University of Connecticut and graduated from that institution in 1987. Upon graduation, he was employed at a number of area local restaurants including Manchester Seafood and Twains On The River. In 1990, he began working at The Hartford Courant in the paper's Sport's Department. Due in part to his competence, professionalism and strong work ethic, he progressed on to Courant's Financial Department in 1995. Most recently, he was employed as a Financial Operations Accountant at this setting. Bill was extremely proud of his professional accomplishments at the Courant and never stopped reminding those around him of the continued relevance of the print media in the electronic news age. On May 5, 2003, he married his beloved Jessica in St. John U.S.V.I. Within the last seven years, they were both blessed with their four beautiful children. Spouse, Father and Friend: It is these loving roles that Bill would want to be remembered as being driven to successfully fulfill each and every day. His acquaintances were always mindful that a cell phone discussion at the end of his workday was discontinued when he entered his household to see his family. The highlight of each year for him was his Cape Cod vacation at the National Seashore with family and friends and if on tour, a Springsteen show with the same special group. He also was parent to the family's two golden retrievers, Trot and Hamish. Bill also had a special relationship with his Mother-In-Law, BeAnn. In addition to his relationship with his family, throughout his life, Bill was best friend to many special individuals. He treasured frequent gatherings with all of them. Bill often was overheard saying "Friends are the tapestry of our lives". To those who were fortunate enough to have called him a friend, there would be overwhelming agreement that their lives were permanently altered in a positive manner as a result of this special relationship. Loyal, empathic, caring, devoted, selfless, giving, responsible-these are just a few of the many characteristics that Bill brought to each and every personal and professional relationship with them. During difficult days ahead, we must somehow try to comfort ourselves with the many memories we all share of our times spent with him. Finally, Bill will also be remembered as a very passionate sports fan. The Hartford Whalers, Boston Red Sox, New York Giants and UCONN Basketball and Football Sports Programs-he was a devoted supporter to each of these teams. Given our sorrow at this time, we must all be so thankful that the Red Sox, Giants and UCONN Mens Basketball program won championships during his lifetime. Bill also remained fervent to the belief of the capacity of the city of Hartford to become home once again to an NHL franchise. In addition to his wife, children and parents, Bill is also survived by three loving siblings, Paige Calhoun, Pam Sievers and her husband, Mark and Alison Romkey and her husband, Eric. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who he enjoyed spending time with: Will, Nicole, Daniele, Kyle, Eva, Emily, Annie, Dallas, Brady, Brooke, Wim, Guiron, Samuel, Beatrice, Shiloh, Isaac, Thomas, Gabriel and Logan. Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester on Friday (February 26th) from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Calhoun Family Education Trust Payable to Ford & Paulekas, LLP Trustee (280 Trumbull Street Hartford, CT 06103 www.unclebilly.org). For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.