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William Jervis Obituary
Bill was born Aug. 24, 1946, in Norwich, the only child of William Alfred Jervis and Sabina (Salamucha) Jervis.
On Oct. 23, 1968, he married the love of his life, Joyce N. Jodoin, at St. Mary's Church in Groton. They resided their entire marriage in the City of Groton, where they raised their family of three wonderful daughters.
Bill joined the Groton Town Police in 1974, and worked his way up from patrol officer to lieutenant before retiring in 2007, after 33 years of service. He was a tireless community servant. During his tenure, Bill created activities for youth at risk: co-founded the Groton Maritime Academy, president of the Connecticut Maritime Education Foundation (2002-2007), co-founded the Groton Adolescent Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force, vice-president of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Connecticut (1997-2012), a former board member of the Women's Center of Southeastern Connecticut, designed and ran the Town Police Community Policing Program, worked with the community to provide occupational and recreational opportunities for young people. He initiated the Groton Domestic Violence Prevention Task Force and co-founded the Groton Business Association. Additionally, he was a former president of the AFSCME Local 3428, former president of the Groton Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Groton Elks Club. Bill was elected in May 2015 to his fourth term on the Groton City Council also serving as deputy mayor and chairman of the Groton City Democratic Committee.
An avid naturalist and botanist, he was also a voracious reader, spoke many languages, and was a former beekeeper. Education played a central role to this lifelong learner: Bill held a bachelor of science degree in sociology, a master of science in management, and a Ph.D. in psychology, graduating summa cum laude. Bill was also a member of Mensa. With all of Bill's accomplishments and commitments, he still found time to be a world traveler, a generous and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and maintained a wonderful and unique sense of humor all the while. Bill was a true patriarch. His family always came first. Anyone who knew Bill was aware of his honesty, integrity, endless drive, dedication, and compassion, which made him everyone's confidant and go-to guy. Bill's passion for living life to the fullest and leaving this world a better place will be greatly missed by all.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; daughters, Erin Jervis Steele, Melanie Jervis Barnett and husband, Philip, Beth Jervis-Simpson and husband, Brian; and nine grandchildren, Evan, Phoebe, Christian, Owen, Olivia, Tate, Jillian, Audrey, and Nolia.
His family will greet relatives and friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., Mystic. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Road, Groton. Burial with full military honors will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the William. E. Jervis Scholarship Fund, c/o Charter Oak Federal Credit Union, 1055 Hartford Tpke., Waterford, CT 06358.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Jervis
Nancy Nichols Marlow
August 16, 2015
Joyce,
My condolences on the loss of of your best friend and husband. Bill will be with you and your family in thoughts and memories.
Greg & Linda Law
August 14, 2015
Our deepest sympathies to the family.he will always be remembered by us
Jay Dempsey
August 13, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to Joyce and family. Bill was a real gentleman, he will be missed by many friends. Jay & Rhonda Dempsey
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John Sullivan
August 13, 2015
He will be truly missed from our patrol days he was always a friend and the family will always be that "family". My prayers are with you all God Bless
August 12, 2015
Dear Joyce and family Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May god bless you Joyce love to you and family. John and Kathy Murphy
Diane Amburn
August 12, 2015
I first had the honor of meeting this wonderful human being, back when my father was on the Groton Town Police Force.
The first time I met Bill was when I locked my keys in my car, back in 1981.
I remember it being the coldest winter day, with the temperature around zero.
Bill had a really tough time getting into my locked vehicle, because the lock system on the 1980 mustang, was on the side doors.
He did not give up on getting the door unlocked.
Bill and my father were not only co-workers on the police force, but also great friends.
In my father's last days spent at a nursing home, I would always see Bill visiting him every day.
You could see how much Bill's visit's cheered up my father.
And yes, Bill had the best sense of humor. I can hear my father and Bill telling jokes, sharing police stories, and laughing up a storm, on the front porch of my parents home.
I can now visualize my father and Bill in Heaven, catching up on lost times.
In time, we will all be reunited once again.
Diane (Gray) Amburn - Leland Gray's daughter.
Erika McKee
August 12, 2015
Dear Melanie and family, we are so sorry to hear about your father's passing. He clearly left you and your family a legacy of brilliance, living a full life of joy, humor and family love. You continue to live this out and honor him:). Love and great big hugs to you all, The McKee's
Karen Oliver
August 12, 2015
Dear Melanie and Phil, so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish there were some magic words that would help. I pray you find comfort and support with your many memories, family & friends. Mark & Karen Oliver
Jo Anne Faraci
August 12, 2015
Joyce and family. Our deepest sympathy to you with the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as God hold's you in his loving arms.
Much love, the Byington and Heller families.
Tracy Burger
August 12, 2015
Erin, Joyce, Beth and Melanie - I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. It really stinks to lose a Dad/Husband! Sending you love and comfort in your time of healing.
Kathy & Pat Falcon
August 12, 2015
So sorry for the lost of your Dad, our hearts are with you and your family
Richard Seder
August 12, 2015
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We had been close friends back in our days at NFA but then drifted apart as we went our different ways in life. Froggie, as he was called certainly had a sense of humor. My condolences to you all.
Stu and Gloria Holloway
August 12, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers to Joyce and Family. Bill was very special and unique person. He will be missed. I will miss his wit and our monthly Lunches with the retired LEOS of the area. RIP my friend.
Stu Holloway
Mrs. Leland Gray Jr.
August 12, 2015
To the Jervis family, He was a very good friend of my father in law (Leland Gray, dec'd). May they both find peace in Heaven. Our sympathies to you and your family.
Eddie Fontaine
August 12, 2015
RIP Officer Bill Jervis...my condolences to his family. He was definitely part of a special group of people and a member of one of the best police departments around.
peter Egner
August 11, 2015
Deepest condolences from the Egner family.
Julie Woodworth
August 11, 2015
RIP Bill. I met Bill when we both worked in the Groton Town Police back in the day. We kept in contact via emails, phone calls and then facebook. He and I both have a passion for flowers and he told me I needed to get a camilla plant with I did. But mine never looked as good as his. I would take a picture of a plant that I didn't know the name of or what it was. He would reply with an entire story and he knew all the latin names for the plants. Who am I going to call and ask about a plant now. You will be missed by your family, friends and me. I hope there are flowers on the other side.
Dunk
Matthew Morton
August 11, 2015
RIP Bill. Our condolences to Joyce and her family. Matt & Karen
Ivana Powers
August 11, 2015
Joyce, Erin, Beth, and Melanie, all my love as you heal from this loss. You are all in my thoughts.
Kathy & Pat Falcon
August 11, 2015
Melanie, Phil and children, We are so sorry for your loss. When you feel lonely, Remember the silly, fun times you had together and remember he is still with you in your heart. Love and prayers
Gary Bergeson
August 11, 2015
My prayers are with you and your family, I feel honored to have been your friend.
Marty & Paula Sullivan
August 11, 2015
RIP My Friend prayers & Thourghts for You and Your Family. Thank You for Service
You did GOOD. I salute You
Laurie Bulkley
August 11, 2015
Joyce & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loving family.
Laurie Bulkley
Trish Sanborn
August 11, 2015
Dear Joyce, Erin, Melanie, and Beth:
I am so very sorry for your loss. Bill was my cousin but really played the role of a big brother. In my own time of loss, he was comforting, compassionate, and yes, hilariously funny. We kept in frequent touch and he always told me how much he adored all of you. During our last conversation, he was happy, upbeat, and grateful for his family. I will truly miss him.
August 11, 2015
Rest in Peace. I will miss you
Joe N
August 11, 2015
Remember the smiles-cherish the moments-find comfort in memories. Thinking of you all and hoping that time will bring you comfort. Sincerely, Herb&Janice Jervis Anderson & Frank & Sheryl A Maltagliati
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