Simsbury Obituary: William Tuppeny, Jr., 79

William H. ‘Buck’ Tuppeny Jr. passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday February 16, 2016.

Buck is survived by his two sons, Brock and Chris, step-daughters Jessica and Janna Clayburgh, granddaughter Lauren, and two grandsons Zachery Clayburgh and Lucas Tuppeny.

Buck was born in Philadelphia on July 19, 1936 to the late William Henry and Anna Rosina Tuppeny. He attended Central High School there, then Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, Ohio getting his Masters Degree, and Harvard Business School (AMP). , He was married to Sandra Willoughby and later Diana Cooke. Moving to Vernon, CT in 1962, he worked for Combustion Engineering as project engineer, supervisor of applied mechanics, manager of boiler design and development, engineering mechanics manager, chief engineer product design, and finally vice president of operations with Fossil Power Systems. A talented engineer, he held several patents, wrote numerous technical papers, and was a lifelong member of ASME, playing a key role in the development of the ASME codes for pressure vessels and stress analysis. His career took him around the world dealing with clients and licensees, and he formed many strong personal and professional relationships internationally as well as throughout the United States.

After retiring from CE in 1989, he started a new consulting career in energy consulting and risk management, firstly with a partner and later individually, but always drawing on an extensive network of associates developed and maintained throughout his career. He was highly respected for his technical skills and personal and professional integrity, which when combined with his personality and concern for others, made him longstanding friends across the globe.

Buck was a true renaissance man. A talented trumpet player, he enjoyed music in all forms; from classical to a particular love for Dixieland Jazz. He was a talented craftsman, being able to repair water piping under his Vermont ski trailer, design and build house extensions, and carve wooden decoys. A true sportsman at heart; he played soccer and gymnastics during school, golf, tennis, skiing for many years, and always an avid fisherman, hunter, and boater. A culinary enthusiast, he loved spending time with his friends and family along the Jersey shore fishing and eating fish, crabs and clams and as well in Vermont -and raspberries that he loved to cultivate.

A celebration will be held at Abigail’s Grill and Wine Bar, 4 Hartford Road, Weatogue on the 23rd of February 2016 from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm with the celebration service at 6:00 pm, and food and drink will be provided.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, please send donations to Masonic Charities of the R.W. Grand Lodge F & AM of Pennsylvania, Make-A-Wish Foundation, or Salvation Army.