Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
William Hoss Obituary
DAYVILLE - William F. Hoss, 85, of Alexander's Lake, Dayville, passed away Friday, January 27 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born September 7, 1931, in Indianapolis, Indiana, he was the son of the late Frank and Thelma (McDermid) Hoss. Bill moved to Killingly with his parents and sister Bette in 1945. He attended Killingly High School, Class of 1949, where he was Class President for three years, and an outstanding scholar and athlete. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, he served as an Officer in the U.S. Navy, and was named to the All-Navy basketball team. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Nola O'Connor, who has been his wife for 60 years.
Bill enjoyed his career in education, first as a mathematics teacher, basketball coach and athletic director at Saddle Brook High School in New Jersey, then as an award-winning school administrator who always put children first. He was Principal of the Killingly Memorial Elementary School for 17 years, then Principal/Assistant Superintendent in Lisbon, CT. He also participated in numerous civic activities, including Rotary and the Danielson Springtime Festival, serving as President during the Bicentennial Celebration. He was active in St. Albans Episcopal Church as a Sunday school teacher, vestry member, and Senior Warden.
Throughout his life, Bill was an avid competitor; whether pitching horseshoes, playing softball, ping pong or squash, shooting hoops, or on the tennis court, Bill strove to win, and he often did. His drive and athletic ability culminated in his induction into the Killingly Athletic Association Hall of Fame on November 19, 2016.
After retiring, Bill had more time to indulge in his many passions, including golf, bridge, travel, volunteer work, telling stories and spending time at the lake with his family and friends. In short, Bill loved life and people, and we loved him back.
Bill is survived by his wife Nola, his three children: Diane (Hank Feder), William Jr. (Lisa) and Cheryl Bowen (the late Greg Bowen), and his sister Bette Rivard of Seattle, WA. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren Alex, Derek, Nola Rose, and twins David and Benjamin, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Albans Church, 254 Broad St. Danielson, CT on Saturday, February 4, at 11:00 am, followed by a reception at Grill 37 in Pomfret (formerly The Harvest). In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts for a student athletic scholarship may be sent to the Killingly Public School Central Office at 79 Westfield Ave. Danielson, CT 06239 in memory of William Frank Hoss. Tillinghastfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Hoss
Sponsored by Tillinghast Funeral Home - Danielson.
Kevin Kelly
February 4, 2017
Nola and the Hoss family my heartfelt condolences. Bill was a wonderful man. I will always treasure the memories of our 20 years of Myrtle Beach golf trips. Bill had many rare qualities. Among them was when you were around him and watched the way he always conducted himself he made you want to be a better person. I'm thankful to have been his friend.
February 4, 2017
To Nola and the Hoss family my heartfelt condolences. Bill was a wonderful human being. My 20 years of memories from our annual Myrtle Beach golf trips l cherish. Bill had many great qualities one of which was that being around him and seeing the way he always conducted himself made me want to be a better person. I am so thankful to have been his friend.
Kevin Kelly
Paul Hoar
February 4, 2017
To the entire Hoss family,
My condolences on your loss. I was fortunate enough to run into Bill at Quinnatisset Country Club from time to time over the course of many years. I always enjoyed our conversations and I will miss his insight and perspective on any variety of subjects. His easy going smile, quick wit and positive outlook will be treasured. God bless you, Bill. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Jean Keech
February 3, 2017
So sad for the family. Bill was a compassionate administrator and really did care about his students. I as a parent will always be greatful for knowing him. My condolence to his family. Rest In Peace, Bill. Keech family
Todd Dexter
February 2, 2017
Please accept my sincere condolences.
I have such warm memories of my time
at K.M.S. and he helped make it so.
Linda Duggins Mc Auliffe
February 2, 2017
Dear Nola, Cheryl, Bill, and Diane,
I am deeply saddened to read of Bill's passing. He was my North Star as I began my teaching career at KMS in 1972 and remained my friend thereafter. I know that you have many fond, loving memories of him, as do I. He was a compassionate, kind, and ethical man, loved by many and always in total love with you, his dear family. I hope your grief is eased by your memories and by those of us who will also continue to hold him dear to our hearts.
Carla Keech Richards
February 2, 2017
So very sorry to hear about Mr. Hoss's passing. John, Darin and I have very fond memories of Mr. Hoss at KMS and on the basketball and tennis courts. Such a kind gentle soul he was. He even came to help us dig for our lost time capsule some 30 years ago with no such luck but he was out there with shovel in hand. We will certainly miss seeing him around the lake, saying hello and giving that little way. Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Hoss, Diane, Bill, Cheryl and their families. Your dad will be dearly missed.Peace be with you all,Carla, John, Darin
Cindy & Keith Olsen
February 2, 2017
Our sincere condolences to the family.
Evelyn Nash Chmura
February 2, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Nola & the Hoss family.
February 2, 2017
We were blessed to have Bill Hoss as a member of our family. He loved us well and we loved him right back. Bill will reside forever in our hearts.
Much love to all,
Cassandra O'Connor
Pam Panteleakos Fillmore
February 1, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to the Hoss family during this difficult time.
Bill Phillips
February 1, 2017
Dorothy and I are saddened by this news and offer our sincere condolences to Nola and all the family.
Remembering all the Office visits to "the Principal " for our son and mostly the many golf matches with Bill and Bill as partners!
Diane Misseri
February 1, 2017
My thoughts and love is with your family at this time. Bill ment so much to me as he molded my career. He was always such a positive force and will be really missed.. Diane Misseri
Hank Feder
February 1, 2017
Papa once made 96 foul shots in a row. Left unguarded, he didn't miss. Had Papa been a few inches taller he could have played the backcourt with Bob Cousy.
Bill taught me how to drink 1/2 beer at a time then put the unfinished beer back in the refrigerator. Then opening another beer (etc), this, making counting impossible.
Papa was a special and gifted person. He could dance with his daughters and they would float. He left Billy beat him in tennis. He loved playing with kids or just watching. When Alex was just past toddler stage, he played soccer by stand over to the side picking flowers. Papa watched, cheered, and loved the game. No one could ever be a better grandfather.
I only saw Papa complain once - at dinner years ago we had meat, potatoes, and carrots. He complained that the carrots were slightly undercooked. Nola replied, "Bill, they are raw carrots." Bill then enjoyed the meat, potatoes, carrots and half beers. We will all miss this kind man.
Hank Feder
Kim Rivard
February 1, 2017
Nola, Diane, Bill, Cheryl, your sister Bette, and all of the family my heart is saddened by his passing. My Uncle Bill was the best uncle anyone could ever have and I will miss him dearly. Your presence in my life has been such a blessing to me. Love, Kim
February 1, 2017
Mrs. Hoss, Diane, Billy, and Cheryl,
I was very saddened to hear of Mr. Hoss's passing. I look back with very fond memories of my years hanging out on Sunset Drive. You are an amazing family, the love you have for each other is undeniable. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat (Moe) Andrews
February 1, 2017
Jude Bernard, Satellite Beach, Florida
The loss of Bill will be felt deeply by all who knew him through the many ways they shared his friendship. His countless efforts and contributions made all whom his life touched so much richer in endless ways.
My deepest sympathies to Nola, Bill, Cheryl, Diane, and all his grandchildren.
Tammy Trueblood
February 1, 2017
My Condolences to the Hoss family. Bill was a wonderful man who always gave of himself to everyone to he knew. He was the most kind, considerate, caring man Ive ever seen in a public school system. All his students loved him, his friends, family, co-workers and anyone who knew him. He touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed.
Lori Aubin
February 1, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Kenneth White
February 1, 2017
My Condolence to the Hoss family and to all the Killingly students whom were profoundly affected by this supportive man.
February 1, 2017
God Bless. Shoot some free throws.
February 1, 2017
Sorry for your loss may you draw comfort from Gods word at Hosea 13:14. L Ohio
Cheryl Bowen
February 1, 2017
We loved you Dad so very much. You taught us how so much. I will be forever grateful to have had you as my father.
Love, Cheryl
Darlene Polaina
February 1, 2017
So sorry for your loss.
Mr. Hoss will always be remembered as a kind and gentle man who I with thousands of other children admired,respected, and loved at KMS. His smile light up the halls of elementary school when I was a child there in the 70's.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Hoss
You will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
Darlene (Adams) Polaina
Cape Cod
Dan Gresla
January 31, 2017
Dear Nola, Diane, Billy, and Cheryl I was saddened to hear of Bill's passing and I send my condolences on behalf of the Gresla family from the Windy City. I have so many great memories of the times we shared together. From the annual trips to Cape Cod to the late night hoops on Sunset Dr. (and getting schooled by the Old Man) to hoping he wouldn't call Marge when I was called to the Principal's office. To me, Bill personified all that's good about Danielson/Killingly. A great father, coach in youth sports, mentor to many and active in all facets of the community. I'm sure he and Marge are already playing some bridge with Jack sitting nearby having a Gin Martini. I attempted to upload a picture from Cape Cod with Jack holding the infamous cocktail flag. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and may the great memories sustain Bill's amazing legacy.
Cape Cod
Dan Gresla
January 31, 2017
Alice Deloge
January 31, 2017
Dear Nola,
Although I only met your husband a couple of times, I heard many tales of his greatness. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sandra Lawson
January 31, 2017
Sorry to hear about the passing of a great man. Mr. Hoss was my elementary school principal and I remember him as friendly, nice and always visiting our classroom.
As I got older and saw him around town he always said Hello. I remember playing tennis alongside him and hoping one day to be as good as him. I never was.
I will always remember him fondly.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in William Hoss's name
Memorial Events
for William Hoss
Funeral services provided by:
Tillinghast Funeral Home - Danielson433 Main Street PO Box 97, Danielson, CT 06239
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Hoss's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
