William J. McNamara

Former New Britain Mayor, William J. McNamara ("Billy Mac") passed away peacefully at his home in New Britain, CT., early Sunday morning, April 16, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Bill was a lifelong New Britain resident with over 30 years of public service. William (Bill) served honorably with the U. S. Army during the Korean War as a Medic in Mainz, Germany. While there, he taught himself German as the only American Fencer in a German Fencing Club. Later, he attended Michigan State University on a fencing scholarship; where he received a B.S. in Police Administration. He met his wife Saundra there, to whom he would have been married for 63 years this May. Upon returning to New Britain, he joined the New Britain Police Force. During his time as a policeman, he attended the University of Hartford where he received a Master's Degree in Secondary Education then taught German and English at Pulaski High School for 16 years. While teaching, he became an Alderman and in 1977 he won the election for Mayor of the City of New Britain; continuing on to win five more terms; making Bill McNamara to this day, the longest running mayor in New Britain history, serving 6 consecutive terms in office. One of his proudest moments as Mayor was hosting President Ronald Regan's 1987 visit to New Britain, CT. After his 12 year tenure as Mayor, Bill returned to teaching at New Britain High School for 6 more years. Upon retirement, he accepted a position at C.C.S.U. as a part time adjunct professor of German, where he taught for more than 20 years. While teaching at Central, Bill and Sam frequently took trips overseas becoming seasoned world travelers. Bill was a member of the Irish American Club, Northwestern Vets, VFW, B.P.O.E. Lodge o9f Elks #957 and the Donau Club where he taught German for 25 years. Known for his quick Irish wit, a natural born politician, who was highly extroverted and a lifelong Democrat; as popular with residents of New Britain as with his high school and college students. He demonstrated an extraordinary gift for learning and speaking several languages; spoke German fluently and others nearly fluently.

Bill is survived by his wife, Saundra (Sam), daughters, Megan McNamara and Amy Kreger (Kevin); sons Patrick (Rebecca) and Sean McNamara. He is also survived by granddaughters, Ashley and Claire McNamara and Priscilla Kreger; grandsons James McNamara and Henry Kreger and two nieces, Kellyanne Shaker-Tuscano and Kari Shaker Hudson; and several other family members. He was predeceased by his parents, Helen V. (Malinowski) and William F. McNamara; his daughter, Brigid Kay and son Kevin; his sister Kathleen Shaker Machowski, Godson and nephew, Paul A. Shaker, Jr. and niece, Katie Shaker.

Funeral rites for Bill will be held Monday, April 24, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. with the procession departing at 9 a.m. from the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Avenue, New Britain, CT., Followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish at Saint Jerome R.C. Church 1010 Slater Road, New Britain, Ct. Committal service and final resting place will be in St. Mary Cemetery, 1709 Stanley Street, New Britain, Ct., which will be private for immediate family members only. Relatives and friends may call at the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bill's memory to the Girls and Boys Club of New Britain. To share a memory of Billy Mac or to extend condolences to the McNamara Family, please visit:www.shakerfunerahome.com