William (Bill) Henry DeHart, 87, of Shelton, CT, beloved husband of Ann Patricia DeHart, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on September 21, 2024. Born in Bridgeport, CT, Bill lived a long and fulfilling life, always surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Bill spent his childhood on a farm on Madison Avenue in Bridgeport, where his grandparents lived next door. From an early age, he learned important life lessons about family, hard work, honesty and values that remained central to him throughout his life. After graduating from Milford High School in 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Pat. Together for 66 years, they had four children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Together they embraced life to the fullest, enjoying time with loved ones and traveling the country and the world.
Bill began his career as a mechanic at Henderson Chevrolet in Stratford before transitioning into real estate. As a Realtor, he served as Vice President and Treasurer of the Greater Bridgeport Board of Realtors and as a Director of the Connecticut Association of Realtors. He actively participated in various committees, including the Legislative and Make America Better Committees. Later in his career, he worked as a manager for Coldwell Banker until his retirement.
Bill cherished time outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He loved fishing on Lake Wicwas in New Hampshire, on Long Island Sound, and Lough Conn in Ireland. Hunting trips in the woods of New Hampshire and the Fields of Ireland also brought him joy. One of his proudest accomplishments was the cabin he built with his father in New Hampshire over 60 years ago, where his family created cherished summer memories.
He also had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and classic cars, particularly his 1931 Model A Ford, which he rebuilt from the frame up. Bill was known for his sense of humor and could always be counted on for a quick joke or witty remark, especially with his grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Ann Patricia DeHart; his daughter Linda Ruggiero and her husband Rory of Seymour, CT; his son Michael DeHart and his wife Debbie of Milford, CT; his daughter Patricia Ann Dunne and her husband Jarlath of Co. Mayo, Ireland; and his son John DeHart and his wife Trish of Apex, NC. He was predeceased by his brother, Henry Robert DeHart, and his parents, John and Edna DeHart of Milford, CT.
He was a proud grandfather, affectionately known as Papa Bill, to Tara and JD Lewis of Milford, CT; Kelly and Erik Lydiksen of East Hampton, CT; Alannah, Kaylin, and Oisín Dunne of Co. Mayo, Ireland; Brittni and Tom Kaufman of Brooklyn, NY; and Sean and Chloe DeHart of Apex, NC. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Zoe and Owen Kaufman, Hannah Lewis and Isla Lydiksen.
Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 10:30 AM at St. Lawrence Church, Huntington, CT. Riverview Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to The Salvation Army.
