Prominent Avon Resident Named To CT Veterans Hall Of Fame

State of Connecticut

AVON, CT — An Avon man was one of 14 veterans in the state selected to be part of the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame this year.

Gov. Ned Lamont Thursday, announced that William "Bill" J. Newman of Avon, a U.S. Army veteran, is one of 14 veterans selected as part of the 21st class of honorees.

The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is the state’s official tribute recognizing former members of the United States Armed Forces who are from Connecticut and "have continued making significant impacts in their communities after leaving military service."

Newman graduated from John Carroll University in 1961 with a degree in philosophy and history.

He completed the ROTC program and is a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Korea, Germany, and Vietnam, retiring as a Major.

His commendations include the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal.

He went on to spend 38 years in investment management and obtained an MBA.

"Bill’s deep love for and commitment to veterans has been exhibited over his 28 years as a member of Avon VFW Post 3272 through a distinguished history of service to all in the Avon community, which has made him a legend," reads a state announcement.

Newman has held several leadership positions, including post commander from 2008 to 2010 and chairman of the Poppy Drive for many years, raising revenues to more than $20,000.

He was the author of the Post newsletter for 16 years, winning first place for Connecticut VFW Post publications for four years and VFW National third place in 2011.

Newman established a close relationship between the Post and the Avon and Canton Public Schools, bringing recognition to the sacrifices of veterans to those who would have been unaware of them.

"His greatest love and achievement for 15 years has been to write the military service histories of more than 200 Post members from throughout the Farmington Valley, which are displayed in the Avon Library, often being asked by families to read their loved one’s history at their funeral services," reads the announcement.

He also helped create the Veterans’ Memorial at the Church of Saint Ann in Avon, and worked to have the bridge over the Farmington River named after Glido T. Consolini, whose name the Post bears.

Newman's awards include the Post Veteran of the Year Award in 2005, VFW Honor Commander 2008 to 2009, Avon Citizen of the Year Award in 2015, the Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow Award in 2018, and the 2022 Saint Joseph Archdiocesan Medal of Appreciation.

He and this year’s class will be honored during an induction ceremony that will take place at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, in the Gold Star Families Memorial Auditorium on the historic Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs campus in Rocky Hill.

“The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame celebrates the many veterans from Connecticut who have gone above and beyond in their service to our nation by continuing to contribute to our communities in so many ways, even after leaving the military,” Lamont said.

“These veterans answered the call to serve our nation and then returned home to continue strengthening our state through leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement. This class of inductees reflects the values of dedication and selflessness that define Connecticut.”

Eligibility requires nominees to have been born in Connecticut or resided in the state for a minimum of five years.

They must also meet the definition of “veteran” under Connecticut General Statutes § 27-103 and have received an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge.

For more information on how to nominate a veteran for a future class of inductees and to read the names and biographies of inductees from previous years, visit portal.ct.gov/dva/pages/ct-veterans-hall-of-fame.

For the full announcement and complete list of Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame inductees, click on this link.