Obituary: William August Schott Jr., 76, of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT - (From Wallingford Funeral Home) William August Schott Jr. born June of 1944, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 20th on the Covid-19 floor of the Masonicare Health Center in Wallingford, CT.

Bill was the youngest child of William August Schott and Anna Miller, who themselves came from very large families. He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 sisters, Bernadine Masterson, Barbara Petrucci and Gloria Colwell, and leaves behind a multitude of nieces and nephews all across the United States along with his guardian and advocate Connie Shamock of Berlin, CT.

Bill was born with Down’s syndrome, but it did not define his life. With the love and help of family, friends, and agencies like DDS (the Department of Developmental Services) and various adult day programs in Connecticut, Bill accomplished more than ever thought possible back in the 1940s.

He spent several years as a student at the Mansfield Training Center, and then worked with his father painting houses. His employers through over 50 years of work included a corrugated box company in Wallingford where he swept floors and the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Meriden where he worked in the kitchen and delivered meals to patients.

He had a great respect and admiration for all who had served in the armed forces, making this his favorite job ever. Bill’s last job was with Stop & Shop of Meriden where he packed groceries, collected shopping carts and interacted with the public. He retired at the age of 70. Throughout his work life Bill made friends with people of all ages who sometimes outgrew him, but did not forget him.

The money Bill earned at work made it possible for him to travel with gosprout.org which organizes small group travel for individuals with developmental disabilities.

He also flew to visit family under the direct supervision of the flight stewards on any one of his favorite airlines. He is remembered for having said that if he was “alright in this world” he would have become a pilot.

Bill was introduced to the Special Olympics in his twenties and was especially proud of his bowling trophies. He was a good pool player and a big baseball fan. The Yankees were his favorite team, but he enjoyed sitting at any game, in one of his many ball caps and sipping on a beer.

We will miss the charming Bill who always remembered to send his complements to the chef at I-Hop and Friendly’s, his two favorite restaurants.

A memorial will be organized for family and friends this summer. Look for contact information at the end of May.

Donations can be made to <support.specialolympics.org/connecticut>.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wallingford Funeral Home.