Obituary: William F. Earley Sr., 94, Of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — (From Sisk Brothers Funeral Home): William F. Earley, Sr., of Hamden, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2023 at the age of 94. He was born March 18, 1929 in New Haven, son of the late William J. and Emma Price Earley. He was the beloved husband of Lucille Adinolfi Earley for 62 years, who passed away in 2015.

Raised in New Haven, he was a 1948 graduate of the Boardman Trade School in New Haven, CT, as an automotive mechanic. He was employed by Cooley Chevrolet in New Haven before becoming a Patrolman for the Yale University Campus Police in 1956.

Bill joined the Hamden Police Department in 1957 as a Patrolman, and later attained the rank of Detective in 1966. During his police career he received numerous Letters of Recognition and Certificates of Commendations.

After 31 years of service with the Hamden Police Department, Detective Bill Earley retired in 1988. He then became a serviceman for the Thurston Foods Company in Wallingford, CT.

Bill was a three-year veteran of the United States Army from 1948-1951, serving in the Korean War with famed 24th Infantry Division obtaining the rank of Corporal. He was awarded the Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, The Korean Service Medal with five Major Battles, The United Nations Medal, United Defense Medal, Occupation Medal (Japan), Good Conduct Medal and the United States Presidential/Korean Presidential Unit Citations. On June 25, 2000, the South Korean government awarded him the Korean War Service Medal. He was a member of the 24th Infantry Division Assoc., Korean War Veterans Assoc., Disabled American Veterans Assoc., and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Assoc.

Bill is survived by his four sons, William Jr. (Claudia), Michael (Christine), James (Lori) and Robert. He leaves five very special grandchildren, Brian Earley (Marisa), Jenna Arnett (Robert), Justin Earley, Zachary Earley and Taylor Earley. In addition, he was so proud of his great-grandchildren, Adriana Earley, Nicholas Earley and Addison Arnett.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of Benchmark Senior Living of Hamden, Connecticut for the love and care that they provided for Bill during the last two years. A special thank you to the Hospice Care Team who made his life comfortable during the past two months.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Paul VI Parish/Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 2819 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, Wednesday, June 7 at 10 a.m. Friends are asked to go directly to church. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Cemetery. Calling hours at Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Ave., Hamden will be Tuesday, June 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758540, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8540.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Sisk Brothers Funeral Home here.