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William Pinto Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Pinto
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Mark Kroner
August 29, 2024
In memory of my friend Bill Pinto,
I am writing this from the annual National Independent Living Association Conference in Orlando. This is the 25th Anniversary of the passing of the Chaffee legislation which really boosted services nationally for youth aging out of foster care. BIll Pinto was at the center of the Independent Living field at that time and played a significant part in the passing of that bill, which has helped thousands of youth over the past 25 years, and greatly networked the providers of related services around the country.
Bill was the president of the National Independent Living Association at that time and was connected with all of the key national leaders in this field. He was able to relate to just about everybody due to his "let´s give it a try attitude" and legendary ability to make people laugh.
Many of his local connections and family members probably have no idea how popular he was and the impact he had on a national issue.
I still miss him but know that his spirit continues to be part of this field. Bill made his mark in the world and helped create positive action that continue today.
Mark Kroner
Cincinnati. Ohio
Mark Kroner
August 23, 2022
I can´t believe that it´s been a year since Bill left us! I still think about him often and the great times we shared at conferences, trainings, meetings, restaurants and an occasional bar. Bills efforts many years ago are part of the national effort to help older foster youth. He was a doer in a field of talkers. He took chances to make new things happen for the youth in his state and ended up impacting the country´s efforts. Bill made us all laugh due to his unique observations about life. I miss him but know that he had a meaningful and rich life.
Jr.
September 11, 2021
Long live The Wizard. Long live Uncle Bill!
DaveCzaja
September 10, 2021
Mark Kroner, above, said it simply and said it best. My friend Bill Pinto.
The stories are many and well earned. How many can claim a legacy such as Bill Pinto's? Few, i believe.
On first meeting Bill, there was a much shared perspective. What does this have to do with kids? Turns out, with Bill, pretty much everything. I am still struck by Bill's glee when he could talk about or introduce one of the DCF high achievers.
Mark Kroner is, I believe, correct to say the words, my friend Bill Pinto.
Ciao.
Mark Kroner
September 5, 2021
Dear Family and Friends of Bill Pinto,
My heart is heavy over the loss of my friend Bill Pinto.
I met Bill over 30 years ago when we were both on a panel at the National Independent Living Conference in San Diego. It took us about 30 seconds to make a connection as we realized we had a lot in common. I knew right away that Bill was gifted in making people laugh, seeing patterns and irony in the ways of the world and appreciating the little things in life.
Bill had a large appetite for social gatherings, sports, food and drink, political happenings and especially music. He was a super-connector in our field and served as a key player in the national development of services for older adolescents in foster care. He spoke at hundreds of local, state and national events and always left an impression.
Bill was passionate about what he was doing, and over time, developed what was perhaps the best state-wide Independent Living program in the country. He served as the president of the National Independent Living Association and was loved by all in the field.
Bill had a lot to do with the passage of the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999; testifying before congress and advising Nancy Johnson, the Connecticut Congresswoman who helped make the bill happen. We proudly sat side by side in the White House when the President signed the bill which significantly helped the lives of foster youth who could not live with their families.
Bill and I always made a point to find the best live music when we attended conferences around the country. He loved his long-term involvement with the Jeff Pitchell Band. One of my visions of heaven is being with Bill, listening to Francine Reed sing the blues at Blind Willie´s in Atlanta.
I will miss his sense of humor, his love of life, his laugh and most of all his unique wildness that made him one of a kind.
Bill made a difference in the lives of many people and certainly did in mine.
With love,
Mark Kroner
Cincinnati, Ohio
Bob Pidgeon
September 3, 2021
Lunch with "The Champ", good cigars, great companionship and stories. My condolences on the loss of such a vital and nice man who helped so many others. You are missed, Bill.
Michael & Alicia Summa
August 30, 2021
WOW to many memories...a great friend for many years. RIP Wizard.
Margaret Glinn
August 29, 2021
My deepest sympathy. Bill's work at DCF has been such a benefit to the young adults in care. He was a visionary and is truly missed.
John Z
August 29, 2021
Still can't believe he's gone! Sixty years of friendship and too many memories to list them all! RIP Wiz!
Chris Tanasi Lau
August 29, 2021
My sympathies to Bill´s family. I knew him from the South End but also worked with him at DCF. When I first started fresh out of college Bill was already a legend. He was the older wiser social worker and mentored many of us. He was an advocate for adolescents in our care and passionate about the rights of the disadvantaged. He always had something to say! The world has lost one of the good guys. RIP Bill
Greg Horan
August 29, 2021
A bright star that left us too early. I was privileged to be around Billy for almost 50 years and have heard so many stories, too many to count but all special. He has a different audience now but the stories will continue. I'm going to miss you Billy.
Shawn DeFrancesco
August 29, 2021
My condolences to the Pinto family.
Bill was passionate , extremely intelligent, and very very funny man.
I remember as a child, and as a young adult at the pig outs/cookouts how he always made myself, and the others laugh, around him. He was definitely a one of a kind man.
Rest In Peace Bill.
Shawn DeFrancesco
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