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William "Bill" Koerner

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Bassick High School

William Koerner Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 28, 2006.

KOERNER William (Bill) Koerner, a native of Bridgeport, died on Friday, May 5, 2006. Son of Harry and Emma Koerner, he was born on June 30, 1927. Known to many as a youth worker, world traveler and an extraordinary conversationalist, Bill graduated from Bassick High School in 1946. Upon finishing his Army career, he worked for General Electric and Dun and Bradstreet. During the 1950s, Bill was a leader of the Black Rock (Congregational Church) Teenagers, a dynamic youth group attracting 300 youths weekly from all over Fairfield County. In 1965, Bill turned his energies to building up a ministry among the P.T. Barnum's youth. His programs always involved unforgettable summer trips to existing camps around the country. Once retired, he began to travel all over the world. His trips always included lengthy stays with friends in Ireland, with his brother in Hawaii, visiting other friends along the way. South Africa was one of his favorite places to visit and it was in Capetown where Bill's life was cut short by a fatal mugging. Bill is survived by his brother, Charlie, who lives in Hawaii; as well as his nephew, Philip Koerner; and niece, Linda Carter, both from Massachusetts. A celebration of Bill's life is planned on June 19 at 5 p.m. in the Gary Crook Community Center, 301 Bostwick Avenue, Bridgeport. Donations in honor of Bill Koerner's life may be made to the Charles Smith Foundation, 755 Central Avenue, Bridgeport, CT which sponsors educational youth programs.

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Recent Activity

June 12, 2006

Stephanie Avery posted to the memorial.

June 9, 2006

Michael Wormley posted to the memorial.

June 8, 2006

Dick Bayles posted to the memorial.

8 Entries

Stephanie Avery

June 12, 2006

My heart is sad. Bill was a blessing to everyone. He was loved by all in P.T. and had the respect of all. Charlie, Phil and Linda know this, Bill is seating at the right-hand of GOD.My prayers are with you and Bill's spirit will live on. God Bless and may GOD give you peace and comfort at this time. I love you all....Bill will be truly missed by ALL.

Michael Wormley

June 9, 2006

May God and his Angels in Heaven,treat you as well as you treated us youths growing up in P.T.Barnum apartments

Dick Bayles

June 8, 2006

I worked (and debated, politically) with Bill from 1970 until I last saw him (at Mario's in Westport) several years ago. He was universally liked and a very giving person. I will miss him.

The Bellamy Family

June 8, 2006

To the Koerner Family:

What a beautiful difference one single life made. We will always remember. So much has changed, but so much will always be...

May you find strength in your faith, comfort in God's love, and peace in knowing your friends are praying for you.

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Renee Barnett

June 8, 2006

I am so saddened to learn of Bill's death. He had such a positive impact on the lives of so many and provided such wonderful opportunities for us! I was privileged to know Bill through the West End Youth Center when I attended Black Rock School. I spent a summer at a beautiful summer camp in Colorado and traveled across country in a van with Bill and Karen Bruner along with several other young people from the west end of Bridgeport. I regret that I was not able to see him as that was almost 40 years ago and I have Bill and Karen to thank for inspiring me to pursue my dreams and always reach for the top!

My thoughts and prayers are with you,

Dr. Renee Barnett

Dean

University of California, San Diego

Barbara Keiser

June 6, 2006

Linda & Family

I am truely sorry for you loss,it is mine also.

Your uncle made my day by being in the building with me at 5:00a.m..

I was happy that he came to visit and give me his condolesent for my husband Richard in Feb.or March I can't really remember but he just had his eyes done and was going back to your house before he went on his merry way again. I will surley miss his weekly e/mails and great wit.

I hope I am well enough to make his services.

Charles and Connie Haney

May 31, 2006

It is so difficult to accept Bill's life ending so tragically. He was filled with so much "living" and had so much travel to do yet. He lived well and he lived fully. He will be missed by many including us. Bill made things and Dun & Bradstreet "hop" a bit - he was always in there with a joke or two...

Anita MacDonald

May 30, 2006

Bill and I worked together at D&B in the "olden days." He was always warm, friendly, and dedicated to doing a good job. In a sometimes-tense techie environment, Bill's smiles always helped us to relax and remember what life was supposed to be about.

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