William Todd LeRoyer Sr.

William T. LeRoyer, Sr., 76, passed away surrounded by his family at Massachusetts General Hospital after complications from cancer treatment.

Bill grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, and graduated from Hall High School. In 1967, he attended the University of Connecticut's School of Agriculture. During his first year at UConn, he met brothers Joe and Frank Vita, whose father, Hal A. Vita, Sr., was organizing a polo team at the university. Bill, who had ridden as a child, became the third member of the newly formed team.

In 1972, with Bill serving as captain, the UConn polo team won its first National Intercollegiate Polo Championship. He was awarded the MVP trophy by the university's president and was featured in Sports Illustrated as Student Athlete of the Week.

During this time, Bill met and fell in love with the coach's daughter, Pink. They married in June 1972 following his graduation from UConn with a bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences. The couple moved to New Hampshire when Bill accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Two years later, they returned to Connecticut to be closer to family and to begin raising their own. Bill went to work for his father-in-law at Shallowbrook Equestrian Center in Somers, where he trained polo ponies, taught lessons, and managed the farm. He also coached UConn's men's and women's polo teams.

Bill went on to become a professional polo player, earning a 5-goal rating with the U.S. Polo Association. He played throughout the Northeast, including demonstration matches at Madison Square Garden, the Atlantic City Armory, and New York's Central Park.

In 1988, he founded Equine Services, specializing in horse show management and consulting. In 1994, Bill and Pink moved their family to Martha's Vineyard, settling in Edgartown. Bill quickly became active in the Island's horse community and managed horse shows at the Agricultural Fairgrounds. Around this time, he developed an interest in real estate and began working at Harborside Realty in Edgartown, becoming a co-owner in 2003. Over the course of his 20-year career, he was consistently recognized as one of the Vineyard's top-producing and most respected real estate brokers.

In 2016, Bill retired, and he and Pink moved to Ipswich to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Lovingly known as "Bamps," he and Pink ("Nonni") became central figures in their grandchildren's lives, creating treasured traditions such as "Bamps Camp" and "Christmas in Ipswich." They delighted in bringing the grandchildren to story time at the Ipswich Public Library and on train rides into Boston to visit the Children's Museum and the New England Aquarium. They rarely missed a game, concert, or school event, and Bill was always happy to drive to practices and competitions. He and Pink were devoted fans of all five grandchildren, enthusiastically cheering on their teams in Andover, Topsfield, Masco, Austin Prep, and the Ipswich Y swim team. Bill also found great joy kayaking on the Ipswich River and biking the trails at Bradley Palmer State Park.

A lifelong lover of projects, Bill was always working-at his own home or his children's. Whether painting a room or building an outdoor shower, he took great pride in his craftsmanship and in helping his family. He was always generous with his time and talents.

Bill leaves behind his loving wife of 54 years, Pink Vita LeRoyer; his daughter, Jennifer Rouse, and her husband, Jackson Rouse, of Andover, Massachusetts; his son, William LeRoyer Jr., and his wife, Jen, of Topsfield, Massachusetts; and five beloved grandchildren, Bode and Sofia Rouse, and Colin, Elsie, and Grant LeRoyer.

He also leaves his sister, Ann LeRoyer and her husband, Richard McElroy, of Arlington, Massachusetts; his brother, Charlie LeRoyer and his wife, Maria Salvaggio, of Searsmont, Maine; his sister, Kate LeRoyer and her partner, Tom Berry, of Pownal, Maine; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his loyal four-legged companion, Lolli. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Charles Phillip LeRoyer and Katharine Kirk LeRoyer, and his brother-in-law, Jim Stampone.

Known for his quiet strength, his kindness and his passion for his family and his work, Bill leaves a lasting mark of inspiration. He will be deeply missed and always remembered with love.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill's memory to CancerCare.org. Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, 6 High St., Ipswich. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.