William G. Van Gorder

William George “Butch” Van Gorder, of Southington, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. He was the devoted husband of Margaret Jeanne “Peggy” (Miner) Van Gorder for 60 years.

William was born on March 17, 1942, in New Britain to the late Alden and Dorothy (Putney) Van Gorder.

Bill graduated from New Britain High School in 1961 and then proudly went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965 stationed at the Lincoln Air Force Base in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was there he met and married Peggy. They then moved back to Connecticut to start their married life. Bill worked as a plumber at Stanley Works in New Britain, Connecticut, retiring after 30 years of service. Bill was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Southington. He was an active member of the Polish Falcon Nest 307 in Plantsville where he was awarded Fraternalist of the Year and the Gold Medal of Honor in recognition of his extensive volunteerism and involvement with the Falcons.

Never one to just sit idle, Bill spent time golfing, fishing, and tinkering in his workshop or shed. He loved to creatively solution to improve or fix things, often gaining him recognition from his family of having a ‘Pisces moment’. He was a Yankees, Giants and NASCAR fan but most of all, he was a fan of whatever his grandchildren were engaged in. Whether it was sporting events, band performances or any other activity, he was right there supporting his grandkids.

Along with being a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, he also had a special group of friends that spanned decades and generations. Bill was a proud member of the AHA Fishing Club which was established in 1979 and he always looked forward to the annual fishing trip with his AHA friends.

In addition to his wife Peggy, Bill is survived by two daughters, Catharine Goralski and Carrie Calandra and her husband Gabe, all of Plantsville and five grandchildren, Maggie Young, Oliver and Kathryn Calandra and Andrew and Jessica Goralski. He is also survived by two sisters, Lee Cole of Southington and Deanna Tino of Plainville and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, William was predeceased by his son-in-law, Brian Goralski and his two sisters, Carol Gosselin and Virginia Desautels.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the "Brian Goralski Scholarship" with donations being sent to the "Southington Education Foundation - Brian Goralski" and mailed to: Southington Education Foundation, P.O. Box 42 Southington, CT 06489 SEF.Donations@gmail.com.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025 from 1 – 3 p.m. with a memorial service and military honors at 3 p.m. at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.