William D. "Bill" Martley

5/2/1937 - 2/5/2025

Stonington - William "Bill" D. Martley passed away Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, after 87 wonderful years and a short illness. Bill was born May 2, 1937, in New London, to Leo and Katherine (Inderdohnen) Martley. He is survived by his wife Jane (Burdick) Martley of Stonington. They were married Sept. 10, 1960, at St. Mary's Church in Stonington.

Bill grew up in Mystic where he made lifelong friends. He joined the Knights of Columbus Council and became a first-degree Knight Feb. 1, 1968, and is an honorary life member. He served as Grand Knight from 2005 to 2006. He proudly served in the National Guard during the 1960s. He was a devoted lineman for the county at Connecticut Light and Power Company for 42 years. For many years, he and fellow linemen would visit classrooms to teach safety electrical practices. The children delighted in dressing up in linemen clothes. After retirement, Bill volunteered at Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center for over a decade. He served on the board of the Quaimbaug Fire Department. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Stonington. Bill was a fiercely loyal man, committed to his family. His love of dogs brought him great pleasure in life.

He is survived by his son William D. Martley Jr. (Jennifer) of Mystic; and daughters, Marie Patterson (Erik) of Arizona; and Jen Martley (Sue Carpenter) of Mystic. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ian Patterson, Neil and Taylor Patterson, Jason Patterson, Liam Martley and Guthrie and Perry Belfiglio; his sisters-in-law, Catherine (James) Holdridge, Marie Magee and Dorothy Burdick. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evening, Feb. 11, at Mystic Funeral Home, Route 1. A funeral Mass will be held at noon, Wednesday, Feb. 12, at St. Mary Church, 22 Broad Street, Stonington. Online condolences may be left at mysticfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, 27 Chase St., Pawcatuck, CT 06379.