Paecht
SEYMOUR — Longtime public servant Bill Paecht was remembered this week as a mentor, friend, and confidant whose second family was the Town of Seymour itself.
Paecht, 69, passed away March 26 at his home with his wife, Susan, by his side.
Paecht was heavily involved in the town, having previously served as the chairman of the Republican Town Committee, and was the town’s longtime zoning enforcement officer. From his involvement with Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball to serving on the board of police commissioners, planning and zoning commission, board of finance and as chairman of the parks and recreation board, Paecht was the kind of guy who knew how to get things done.
Ensuring that there were plenty of recreational opportunities for residents in town was key for Paecht. As parks chair, he pushed hard to get tennis courts installed at French Memorial Park, and also served on the committee to oversee the project that brought handicapped-accessible bleachers and an artificial turf field to Seymour High School.
Former First Selectman and longtime member of the Board of Police Commissioners Robert Koskelowski said Paecht was a special guy.
“Bill did so many things and was always doing his best to improve the police department, parks and as chairman of the Republican Town Committee,” Koskelowski said. “Most important, though, his family was number one in his life. He will be missed by all.”
The witty Paecht was quick with a joke, many who knew him best recalled, but could also be counted on for good advice and mentoring.
“Bill was a great leader, an exceptional mentor and an all-around good person who would go above and beyond for the people of our town,” said current GOP Chairman Richard Demko in an email to the Valley Indy. “He gave everything he had to make our town a better place to live, work and raise a family. I am proud to have worked with him, to call him a friend and his political legacy will live on for many generations to come.”
Demko recalled his first interaction with Paecht a decade ago, and knew the two were going to become fast friends.
“I waltzed right into a Republican Town Committee meeting back 10 years ago and robustly announced that I was running for State Representative,” Demko said. “I was expecting a reaction to that of a ‘get lost type thing’ because I only lived in town for about a year. No one on the committee knew who I was, including Bill. His reaction wasn’t what I was expecting at all, as Bill basically said ‘stick with me kid and you’ll be alright’.”
Former Deputy First Selectwoman and state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R‑105, said Paecht played a big role in her life.
“Bill approached me in 2011 and asked me to run for the Board of Selectmen, and I wasn’t completely thrilled about it at the time,” she said. “With his wit, and charm, and his devotion to the Town of Seymour, he convinced me to run and I have never looked back. I owe him a debt of gratitude for getting my political career started. Bill will be missed.”
Klarides-Ditria quipped that it was Paecht who first introduced her to downtown’s popular watering hole, Jimmy’s Place, which she said serves as the GOP’s post-meeting establishment.
Michael Marganski, the town’s Zoning/Wetlands/Blight and Land Compliance Official worked closely with Paecht at Town Hall.
“Bill as a loving husband and cared deeply for his family,” Marganski said. “Bill’s second family was the Town of Seymour and his love of the community. He was a confidant to some, mentor to many and friend to all. I will miss his guidance and wisdom.”
Besides his wife, Paecht leaves behind three sons and a grandson. Click here to read his obituary.
Friends and family are invited to attend a walk-through visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. April 2 at the Miller-Ward Funeral Home, 260 Bank Street (Rt. 67, across from Klarides Village). Visitors will be asked to wear masks and adhere to social distancing requirements at all times.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Paecht’s memory may be made to Autism Services and Resources Connecticut (ASRC) through the funeral home.
