WILLIAM BRUCE POND

POND, WILLIAM BRUCE William Bruce Pond, 84, of New Hartford, CT, passed away Sunday, June 29th, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Torrington. He was the husband of the late Barbara (Douglas) Pond William was born in Torrington, CT on June 12, 1930, a son of the late Iris (Kurau) and George O Pond. He served in the Air Force in Korea as a Staff Sergeant. He was life-long proprietor of Pond’s Boat Livery on West Hill Lake which ended business in 2013 after 86 years of continuous operation. He was a founding member of LARC Industries and employed there for 30 years, creating workshop opportunities and social integration for citizens with developmental disabilities throughout northwest Connecticut and was instrumental in creating mainstream educational programming at Northwestern Regional #7 for students with developmental disabilities. He was instrumental in founding the Hike for the Handicapped which he ran for 20 years. He loved playing the piano and his tenor voice was famous in his accompaniment of the “Mystic Knights.” He loved to fish, especially with brother Ronny and provided fishing opportunities for so many to enjoy at West Hill Lake. He was also an avid UCONN Womens’ Basketball fan. He leaves behind two sons, Bobby of Winsted and William Jr and his wife Beth Connole Pond of New Hartford, and daughter and son in law Debbie Pond Reis and husband Tim of Rochester VT. He also leaves nephews Biff and Chris Pond and nieces Pam Roche and Cindy Andersen and was predeceased by brothers George “Junie” Pond and Ronald Pond. Funeral Services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, Torrington CT, at 10 AM on Wednesday, July 2nd, with Rev Michael Ambrose officiating. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday 6-8 PM at Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave Torrington. Memorial Contributions can be made to LARC Industries 314 Main St Torrington CT 06790. www.phalenfuneral.com