Obituary: William Holcomb, 85, a lifelong resident of Guilford

Obituary courtesy of Guilford Funeral Home:

William Holcomb,85, a lifelong resident of Guilford passed away peacefully on April 3 at Apple Rehab in Guilford with Margaret, his beloved wife of 64 years by his side.

Bill was born on May 30, 1938 son of Ann and Albert Holcomb. He is survived by his sons Bill (Tracey) of Maine, Chad of Connecticut, and his daughter Kathleen Rim1inger (Frank) of Colorado. Bill has five grandchildren Thomas (Bernadette), Anna (Cole) Jessa (Joe), Jamie (Najee) and Alex; and four greatchi1dren, Gavin, Artemis, Athena, and Felix. He is also survived by his sisters, Judy Neubig and Marie Ready, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins and a host of friends. His family and friends were the centerpiece of his life.

A 1956 graduate of Guilford High school, Bill then attended UCONN for three years. G.H.S. class reunion events followed through the years; of which Bill was always involved. In 1960 Bill and Margaret were married in Richmond, Indiana, where Margaret was attending Earlham College. They built their home in 1968 near Bittner Park in Guilford and lived there for 50 years. A Jack-of-all Trades, Bill could fix anything; never had to call a repairman to the Holcomb household! Bill had a variety of local employment; most notably as an electrician and painter for Quonnipaug Hills condominiums and wood, Steel and Glass in Madison.

Bill's passion during his growing up years was baseball! He began playing L.L. ball on the Guilford Green! Always an avid Red Sox fan, he would recall to anyone who would listen, how he was once a bat boy at Fenwick Park and had a glove which was signed by the team, including Joe Cronin and Ted Williams! So it was to his delight in 1961 when a position opened up for coaching L.L. baseball for 10 to 12 year olds at the major league level. Thus began his "volunteer career" as a coach for 31 years, and 5 more years as an umpire. He loved this age group and was proud of all the children he coached. He hoped he became a role model in a positive way for each of them in the wider game of life.

Other areas of service to his community were many years as a Boy Scout leader for Troop #472 in North Guilford, a volunteer fireman, and a poll worker for local, state and presidential elections. A 50 year member of the North Guilford congregational church, Bill served as a deacon, a moderator, and was on a variety of committees. Through those years the annual country church Fair, the couples club and Bible study Groups were fun and rewarding experiences. This past decade. Bill became a devoted member of the North Branford Congregational Church community, which he joined in March 2020.

Bill's hobbies included an extensive collection of 1950's music-78's, 45's and LP'S, photography, gardening, chess, and various card games. He and Margaret traveled throughout all 50 states and to Canada and South Africa. Their favorite place to be was their cabin in "Brightwater" on the rock-bound coast of Maine which for over 60 years has been a gathering spot with family and friends. "Memories are Made of This"!

A memorial service will be held at North Branford Congregational church, 1680 Foxon Road (Route 80) on Saturday, April 27, at 2 pm. Family and friends may call Friday, April 26 from 5-7 pm at The Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. Burial will be held at a later date at North Guilford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's name may be made to the Guilford Little League, 800 Village Walk #213, Guilford, CT 06437; https://www.guilfordlittleleag... North Branford Congregational Church, 1480 Fox Road, North Branford, CT 06471; https://www.northbranfordcongr... or to a charity of your choice.