William D. Carlebach

Mystic - William D. Carlebach died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, December 4th in his home in Mystic. He was with family.

Bill was born on Aug. 25th, 1918 in New York City, and educated at the Middlesex School in Concord, Mass., and Harvard College in Cambridge, Mass. After serving in the South Pacific during World War II, Bill lived much of his life in Westchester County, first in Chappaqua and later in Bedford, N.Y. For over twenty years he enjoyed summers and holidays on Chappaquiddick Island, where he had many friends and worked avidly to protect the beautiful and fragile land. In 1993 he moved to Mystic to be closer to grandchildren.

He was extremely proud and protective of his family. Bill took his role as elder male very seriously and did what he thought was right not only for his kids, but for his extended family including nieces and nephews as well as others. He was happily married to his wife Priscilla for over fifty years until her death four years ago. Bill is survived by two sons, Michael and Stevenson, seven grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Bill was a lifelong supporter of progressive politics and of civic involvement in responsible local planning. He was an environmentalist and an exceptionally good gardener. He had a keen eye for beauty - he was a photographer of exceptional gifts. Bill was a formidable man of principle who gave untiringly to the causes he loved.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's Church, 15 Pearl Street at 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 8th.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in memory of Bill and Priscilla Carlebach and sent attn. John Lehr, 6931 Arlington Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814.

For directions or to send the family an online condolence, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com.