Wilfred Bohling

Wilfred Henry Cord Bohling

Wilfred "Bill" Bohling - also known as "Pop Pop" and "Wild Bill" - left a big impression on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. With a deep affection for nature, he found peace in the majesty of bald eagles, the tranquility of beaver dams, and the promise of trout fishing. The woods and rivers of the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks were his backyard and where he felt most alive - especially on Silver Lake in Hawkeye, New York.

As a consummate salesman, Bill built his career on a foundation of integrity and trust and forged many lasting relationships with his customers - some spanning multiple decades. He was a man of his word, always delivering on his promises and never making ones he couldn't keep.

At the heart of his life was his family. For 60 years, he was the loving husband of Carol H. Bohling, who sadly passed away on December 24, 2017. Their partnership began with a serendipitous retrieval at a bus station in Plattsburgh, New York, and blossomed into a life filled with love, laughter, and a steadfast commitment to raising their four children. Together, they celebrated the successes of their family with joy and pride. They built a life together in Redding, Connecticut forging many lifelong friendships. Bill dedicated many years to coaching baseball and football and working with the youth of the Redding Boys Club.

He is survived by his sister Robin Abbott of Amherst, New York. Robin held a special place in his heart, their bond a source of strength, comfort and laughter throughout his life - Robin will always be one of his heroes. Bill's upbringing was shaped by his roots in both Ausable Forks, New York, where his family's farm stood and Leonia, New Jersey, where the family home was a hub of tradition. He was deeply connected to his parents, Lilla and Wilfred, who instilled in him a strong sense of tradition, deep patriotism, and the value of friendship. His father fostered a lifelong appreciation for the Boy Scouts and what it meant to be an American, reinforced by the daily ritual at the farm of raising and lowering the flag.

He was a fan of baseball, football and western movies but music held a special place in his heart. He loved to sing the fight songs of his alma maters, Colgate University and Leonia High, often belting out "The Colgate Hymn" with infectious, raucous energy. He enjoyed singing the iconic tunes of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and others and at every meal, he would raise a glass and lead the family in "Ein Prosit der Gemutlichkeit," a toast to well-being. A tradition we will never give up.

But Pop Pop's greatest legacy is the family he loved and bragged about. He is survived by his children, Bradley and Sally Bohling of Darien, CT, Brian and Jennifer Bohling of Naples, FL, J. Scott and Debbie Bohling of Greenwich, CT and his daughter Wendy and her husband John Visgilio of Old Lyme, CT. He leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and one on the way.

Pop's legacy will endure, knowing he lived a "full and wonderful life." We'll remember the dogs he loved, the heroes he admired, the things he loved and those he didn't, the wildlife, the songs, and the friends. But most of all, we'll remember his humor-never ceasing, not always appropriate, but a testament to an incredibly funny and quick-witted man.

A celebration of Pop's life will be held on April 3 at 1pm at the First Congregational Church of Madison, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut.