William Ivar Hermance

William Ivar Hermance set sail on his final cruise on Monday, June 2nd, surrounded by his loving family, after a long and courageous health battle. His love for sailing the sea and adventure was only surpassed by the deep bonds he nurtured with those he held dear. A man holding titles such as devoted father, loving brother, proud grandfather, beloved cousin and uncle, and one-of-a kind friend, he was so special to so many people in his family. He was born on January 8, 1952 in Derby, CT and was raised in Seymour, CT. He was the 4th child of Henny (Weloy) and Edward Hermance. He was reunited with his loving family who predeceased him, including his parents, older sister, Sandra Matthews, and eldest brother Edward Hermance, his cousin Eric Loring, and Frannie and Joe Lucas, his in-laws. He is survived by 3 of his 5 siblings, his sister Linda Loring and her husband William, brother Frank Hermance and his wife Eleanor, and sister Patricia Hermance. Residing next door to his sister Linda and brother-in-law Bill for the last 18 years, they shared many dinners together, afternoons of gin rummy, trips to Yellowfins, and they were an incredible support system for eachother throughout life. His greatest legacies are his loving and devoted daughters, who were the light and encouragement of his life. Rebecca would describe her father as her best friend, her biggest confidant and cheerleader, and she loved him so much. To Jennifer, daddy was her entire world, as she would tell you. He was so proud of her, and he took exceptional care of all her needs, loved watching her doing things she loved, like Special Olympics basketball. There wasn't a UCONN Women's Basketball game they didn't either go to or cheer on from home together. Daughter Rebecca and her husband Kevin Sullivan, grandchildren Andria Channels and husband Stephen, Christopher Sullivan and Shane Sullivan, and daughter Jennifer Hermance will feel the absence of their dad and grandpa/gramps until they meet again. How lucky was Bill to have so many family members who loved him dearly. Cousins Sherri Little (Andy) and Cindy Thomas (Greg), nieces Danielle Barnhart (Aaron), Sandra Moya (Tomasz Rokita), Melissa Baw, Ashley Hermance, his "Mainards" as he affectionately called his family from Maine- sister-in-law Gloria Hermance, niece Laura and her daughter Elise, nephew Corey, and niece Lynn Eon (Brian). A tremendous support to Bill was his sister-in-law Andrea and her husband Jim Fournier, as well as his great nephews Noah, Eli, Jacob, Wilson, Stefan and Sebastian and great niece Ella. A graduate of Seymour High School and the Culinary Institute of America, he paved a path for himself built on hard work and passion for what he loved, which was cooking. Bill had a dedicated career at Southbury Training School starting in 1993, following in the footsteps of his mother Henny. He began at the Torrington Regional Center and was promoted to assistant director of food service a few years later. He was a stickler to food safety standards, in charge of the expansion of food service, doubling its size to over 100 employees. He personally handled all hiring and training, was looked up to by all his employees as an honest, caring man who always was there to help and listen to every employee, and was a true friend to so many, even after retirement. He was an avid fisherman in his lifetime, spending many days on the water with his two best friends Ronnie Izumi and David Koplar. Cruising the world on a Princess ship was another water activity he loved most, seeing the sights of Central America, the Carribean, Alaska, and every stop in between. Some of his favorites were the Panama Canal, Aruba, and Alaska. He was affectionately known by everyone on the ship as Mr. Bill, and his devoted cruising buddies were Andi and Jim, who will miss him dearly. Camping the islands of Lake George with extended family was an activity he loved for many years also. The preparations took quite some time, formulating the menu, beverages, and making sure there were "camp clothes" in the closet for this big week of the year. If you knew Bill, you loved Bill. Whoever you are and wherever you were, you were enriched by knowing him. Services will be private, and we appreciate the love and prayers for his family as they navigate the ship without him. If you would like to make a donation in Bill's honor, we have chosen to support Special Olympics of Connecticut Donate | Special Olympics. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William, please visit our floral store.