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William Davis Obituary

Attorney William R. Davis, 90, beloved father of Russell J. Davis and daughter-in-law Susan of Bloomfield, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, after an extended illness. Bill was born in Waterbury Connecticut, the son of the late May A. Davis and Russell George Davis of West Hartford. He was predeceased by wife, Doris O. Davis and his two daughters, Carolyn Davis and Alyce Davis Knapp, and predeceased by wife, Joanne Gleason. Beside his son and daughter-in-law, he is survived by his grandchildren, William R. Davis, Brindis M. Davis, Russell (Hondo) A. Davis, Myles O. Davis, Carrie Luken, Aine Knapp, Liam Knapp, Sean Knapp and his treasured great grandchildren, Holden Davis and Brayden Brewer. He also leaves behind stepchildren, Bridget, Meg, Colleen, and Devin Gleason along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, many life-long friends including his second family at RisCassi and Davis, P.C. Bill was a graduate of Weaver High School and a proud graduate of Providence College. He received his law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1955. He served proudly in the United States Army. An avid athlete, Bill ran and walked numerous marathons and enjoyed a great love for baseball and football. He particularly enjoyed telling stories and remembering the great history of Willie Mays and Mel Ott. Bill shared his success by being a philanthropist and contributor to many charitable and educational organizations, including his beloved Providence College where he served on the Board of Trustees. The University of Connecticut School of Law, where he served on the Adjunct Faculty for over 20 years, honored him by naming its Moot Courtroom "The William R. Davis Courtroom." Bill was first introduced, by his father, to Attorney Leon RisCassi. Their firm, RisCassi & Davis, P.C., was born when Bill Davis joined Leon in the practice of law in 1955. Throughout his long and storied career, Bill consistently served as a teacher and inspiration to younger lawyers, not only by his courtroom skills but by his professionalism, collegiality, and civility. He taught generations of young lawyers what it meant to be a trial lawyer. Bill was the recipient of the Connecticut Bar Association's Edward F. Hennessey Professionalism Award recognizing integrity, character, professionalism, and competency in the practice of law. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Connecticut Alumni Association. He was a diplomate of the American Board of Trial Advocates; a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers; and a fellow of the International Society of Barristers. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. He held all leadership offices in local state and regional bar associations and was continually recognized for his leadership and commitment to the profession. Bill was a true gentle man, a man of great faith, a mentor to many, and a friend to all. Friends and family may gather and social distance at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford on Monday, February 15, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for a walk through wake. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of St. Timothy, 1116 North Main Street, West Hartford. Please note Covid 19 mask and capacity restrictions will be in place. A private burial service will follow. This service will be live streamed and available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BOWFWGLEoOM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in William's memory can be made to the May A. Davis Endowed Scholarship Fund, University of Saint Joseph, 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117 (usj.edu/give) and Saint Timothy's Middle School, 225 King Philip Drive, West Hartford, CT 06117 (www.stmswh.org) Online remembrances may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com. A celebration in Bill's memory will follow later in year when times and COVID allow.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Feb. 13, 2021.

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David &Lisa Snow

February 7, 2025

Attorney Davis was a compassionate and knowledgeable and amazing man. Our son Michael recently passed away. The Structured Annuity settlement he arranged for Michael allowed us to care for him and give him a good life for Over 24 years. GOD Bless and Keep you Mr. Davis!

David, Lisa & Michael Snow

February 7, 2023

Rest in Peace in the company of the Saints and GOD Almighty. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

David Snow

March 20, 2021

Such a wonderful man. Such an accomplished attorney. His passing is a sadness and his life was so full of compassion and goodness. God Bless!

Philip J. Adams, Jr.

February 25, 2021

Condolences to the family. It was an honor and privilege to have been able to practice law with him.

Lucelva (Lou) C. Davis

February 16, 2021

Thank you Bill, for being such a wonderful father, grandpa, step grandpa and father in law. I was proud, honored, and very blessed to have you in my life. My memories of you will never run dry. You were my mentor, my light and always my hero . My heart hurts...

Lucille & Ed Heckman

February 15, 2021

Condolences To The Davis Family and Friends From The Heckman Family May God Bless William

Marcia Britting-Wilton

February 13, 2021

It's with deep sadness that I learn of the passing of Mr. Davis. Over the course of growing up as a close friend of his daughter, Carolyn, and continuing on as adults up to her own recent passing, Mr. Davis was always a source of calm, certainty, generosity, wisdom and warmth in every way. A man of great character, integrity, compassion and positive energy, he will be deeply missed.

I offer my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Russell and Susan, and to his grandchildren, the extended family, friends and colleagues.

Howard Scheinblum

February 13, 2021

Bill Davis was one in a million: a brilliant trial lawyer; a great mentor; a humble man. He will be missed by his colleagues, the community as well as his family. May the Almighty in His infinite wisdom grant solace to the bereaved.

Howard Scheinblum

February 13, 2021

Bill Davis was one in a million. A brilliant trial lawyer; a great mentor; a humble man. He will be missed by his colleagues, the community as well as his family. May the Almighty in His infinite wisdom grant solace to the bereaved.

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Memorial Events
for William Davis

Feb

15

Wake

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Molloy Funeral Home - West Hartford

906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06119

Feb

16

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

The Church of St. Timothy

1116 North Main Street, West Hartford, CT

Funeral services provided by:

Molloy Funeral Home - West Hartford

906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06119

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