Obituary: William James Fellows Jr., 63, Of Shelton

SHELTON, CT — (From Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home): William James Fellows Jr., 63, of Shelton, formerly of Stratford, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

Born in Bridgeport on December 12, 1960, he was a son of the late William Sr. and Veronica Solomon Fellows.

William, fondly known as Bill or Billy by some, was a man of many talents. He grew up in the roller-skating rink and started skating at 9.5 months old. As he would say, “I skated before I walked.”

At the early age of 9 or 10 he started competing professionally with his partner and sister Rosemarie, until he was 20 years old. Together they proceeded to win many competitions and were featured in Sports Illustrated magazine. After competing, he dedicated much of his time to roller-skating in different aspects such as being a coach, judge and meet director for the Northeast Region of Artistic Roller Skating.

Aside from roller-skating, he began learning to play the organ in 1970. There was no question that Bill was a gifted organist. He brought his two passions together when he started playing for roller-skating competitions, his first took place in North Haven, CT. Soon after, he started playing throughout the Northeast Region.

His organ playing was cherished by many and still is for years to come. He played the organ while co-managing his father’s rink, Longbeach Skateland, in Stratford, CT. He retired from playing for a little while but ultimately could not give up his passion completely. He played a few more competitions and organ jamborees in recent years.

Most would say Artistic Roller Skating would not be the same without Bill’s contributions.

In later years, in 2010, William became a dedicated member of, The Loyal Order of the Moose Association, Bpt Lodge 289 in Stratford, CT. He volunteered a majority of his time there, where he bartended, helped with cooking for fellow members and held the title of treasurer for many years. He was newly appointed administrator of Lodge 289, he was working diligently to redeem his lodge after being closed for 16 months due to Covid and a damaging flood. He was proud to be a part of an organization that gave back to his community.

When Bill wasn’t at the Moose lodge, he was working as a Unit Material Associate at Bridgeport Hospital. He loved his job and made an everlasting impression in the short time he worked there.

Words from his daughter, Dana

To say I loved my father would be an understatement and to say I am going to miss him would be an even greater understatement. A father’s love is eternal, unconditional, and irreplaceable. I know my Dad loved me, my sisters and his granddaughter with every piece of his heart; we were his heart. My father loved his family deeply and was never afraid to show it. He wore his heart on his sleeve; it was his strength, not his weakness. His kindness, compassion and generosity will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Let us remember him for the wonderful and talented person he was- a devoted father, a doting grandfather, a supportive uncle, brother and cousin, a loyal friend and above all a truly remarkable human being. The loss of my father will always hurt, but now, everything I do will be in honor of him and I will make him proud. Until we meet again. Never forgotten and forever in our hearts.

William is survived by his daughters, Dana Fellows, Erica Kent, Jessica Kent, his Granddaughter Jenna Willimont, his ex-wife/best friend Anna Kent, his “third daughter” Shannon O’Brien, his brother Donald Fellows (Kathy), his sister Rosemarie Rosa (David), his brother Anthony Fellows and his sister Patricia Fellows (Bruce). He is also survived by his many nieces, nephews and cousins. William was predeceased by his loving Father William James Fellows Sr, Mother Veronica (Solomon) Fellows and several of his aunts and uncles.

Service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Dennis & D’Arcy-Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main St in Stratford, CT 06615.

After his service, we invite everyone to a celebration of William’s life at the Moose Lodge 289, 44 Dodge Ave, Stratford, CT 06615. Food/refreshments will be available until gone. If you would like to bring some baked goods, it would be much appreciated but not necessary.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home here.