Willis A. "Bill" Cobb

Willis A. "Bill" Cobb, 86, of Manchester, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, at St. Francis Hospital. He was predeceased by his dear wife of 56 years, Pauline (Denoncour) Cobb, his soul mate and best friend.

He was born in Haverhill, Mass., on Sept. 10, 1923, to the late Walter and Helen Cobb. He was one of seven children, growing up in Haverhill, graduating from Haverhill High School in 1941. Bill played basketball and baseball where he was a star outfielder for his high school team, even playing a championship high school game at Boston's Fenway Park. Soon after high school Bill was drafted by the Boston Red Sox, but chose to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He was a veteran of World War II serving and protecting his country as a United States Naval serviceman aboard the USS Waddell, honorably discharged in 1946. After marrying, Bill and Pauline moved to Connecticut in 1951 and raised their three children. He worked in production/ manufacturing at United Technologies Corp. (Pratt & Whitney and Hamilton Standard Divisions) for over 35 years, retiring in 1989. Bill loved the beach, spending summers in Maine and in his later years spending the winter months in Florida. Bill was a member of the American Legion Post 102 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2046. He loved all sports and was an avid Red Sox, Patriots, and UConn basketball fan. He loved to bowl and was on a number of teams, bowling well into his 80s. He also enjoyed long walks, barbeques, working in his yard, and loved holiday and family gatherings. Bill will forever be remembered as a "gentleman" and a "gentle" man. He put the needs of others before his own and was available day or night for his family and friends. Bill was always an easygoing, giving, loving man with positive energy and taught others by his good example, rather than by words. Bill will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Cobb Lavey from Marlborough; a son, Raymond Cobb, and his wife, Linda, from Enfield; and a son, Glen, and his wife, Patricia, from Ellington. Bill also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Christopher Lavey from New York City, Caitlin and Ryan Lavey from East Hartford, Emily and Mitchell Cobb from Ellington; two sisters, Marjorie Flanders and Leah Lucia of Haverhill, Mass.; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Barthe, and her husband, Jim, from Pasadena, Calif., and Shirley Goggin of Feura Bush, N.Y.; and numerous nieces and nephews from all over the country. He was predeceased by three older sisters and a brother. Bill also leaves his dear friend and companion, Jean Barrows of East Hartford, who has been like a family member.

Our family wishes to thank the visiting nurses; his caregiver, Janet; and the amazing medical team of St Francis Hospital, especially in the intensive care unit for their true compassion, understanding, and loving care Bill received. We are forever grateful.

Funeral services will be Monday, Dec. 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Watkins Funeral Home, 142 E. Center St., Manchester. Burial will follow in East Cemetery, Manchester.

Calling hours will be Sunday, Dec. 27, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the donor's choice.

To sign the online guestbook or for directions to the funeral home, please visit

www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com