East Granby Obituary: William Stelma, 86

William Stelma, 86, of East Granby, beloved husband of Valerie (Meeker) Stelma for 59 years, passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side on May 16, 2017.

Bill was born on May 1, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio to Mike and Martha (Stebelski) Stelma. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1954 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Bill worked for UTC Hamilton Standard for 37 years.

A loving family man and avid outdoorsman, Bill loved boating, fishing and skiing. He especially looked forward to his annual trip to British Columbia for salmon fishing with his son Michael, along with other family and friends. He was always happiest during family vacations to Cape Cod, Lake Winnipesaukee, Ski Week in Vermont, and Thanksgivings in Hilton Head. He was a truly devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and he will always be loved by those who knew him.

Bill is survived by his dear wife, Valerie; two sons, Michael Stelma (Kari) of Edmonton, WA, and Brad Stelma (Shirley) of Agawam, MA; daughter, Traci Pearson (Daniel) of Alpharetta, GA; nephew, John M. Stelma of Lakewood, OH; brother-in-law, Jim Meeker (Camille) of East Granby; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Gaulton (Peter) of Cromwell; sister-in-law, Phyllis Meeker of Rocky Hill; six adored grandchildren, Danielle, Matthew, Kaitlyn, Lauren, Cara, and Braden; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother John and his wife Shirley of Parma, OH; mother-in-law, DeLorise Gregory Meeker; and brother-in-law, Bill Meeker.

Bill will be missed by his friends and neighbors in Tucson, AZ, where he and Val spent the winter for the last 10 years. Bill's family would also like to extend their special thanks to caregivers Zoryana, Felecity, and Monika, and hospice nurse, Jenny, for all their care and compassion.

A Memorial Mass for Bill will be celebrated at 10AM on Saturday, June 3, at St. Bernard's Church, 7 Maple St., Tariffville. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's honor may be made to the East Granby Library Fund, 24 Center St., P.O. Box G, East Granby, CT 06026.

The Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home of Granby is in care of the arrangements. To share a memory of Bill with the family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.