William J. Stokes

WATERBURY, CT
Willliam J. Stokes
"Loving father, grandfather and brother"
William J. Stokes of Waterbury and Vineyard Haven, MA passed away peacefully June 23, 2024 in the VITAS Unit at St. Mary's Hospital. He was the loving and devoted widower of Janet (Wortel) Stokes, with whom he shared 57 happy years of marriage.
William was born on March 9, 1943 in Waterbury, a son of the late Anthony and Anna Mae (Phelan) Stokes. He was a graduate of Croft High School and the University of Connecticut, where he was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. He later went on to earn an MBA at the University of New Haven. William proudly served his country in the United States Army, spending a one-year tour of duty as a supply officer in Vietnam. Upon his return from duty, he built a long and successful career in manufacturing as an executive at companies such as Timex, Stanley, Colt and Henlopen. Upon his retirement, he served the Connecticut Community Foundation as a volunteer. He was an active member of the Lithuanian Club of Waterbury and the Knights of Lithuania, and was a lifelong communicant of St. Joseph Church.
Outside of professional endeavors, Bill led an active life and enjoyed walking, reading, crosswords, and his weekly bridge group. He treasured time at his second home on Martha's Vineyard, where he hosted friends and family for nearly 50 summers and formed close bonds with beloved neighbors. The UConn Huskies basketball teams had no bigger fan and he took great joy in their performance this season. But of all his varied interests and hobbies, there was nothing that came close to golf. He fell in love with the game as a young boy when he caddied at the Waterbury Country Club and grew to become a talented and respected player, most recently participating in leagues at East Mountain and Hop Brook Golf Courses. His final months were spent living at the Village at East Farms, where he followed his lifetime pattern of quickly finding friends and enjoying activities.
He leaves his son, Wesley Stokes of Vineyard Haven, MA, his daughter, Kimberly Stokes Beal and her partner, Christopher Voigt of Torrington, his daughter Carolyn Lau and her husband Edward of Rocky Hill, his grandsons Christian and Quinn Beal, his granddaughter, Lillian Beal, and his sister, Marlene Shea of Waterbury.
Arrangements: Funeral Friday June 28, 2024 at 9 AM from Chase Parkway Memorial/Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway to Saint Joseph Church to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM. Burial with military honors will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Watertown. Calling hours Thursday from 5 to 7 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
Connecticut Community Foundation
43 Field Street
Waterbury, CT 06702