William E. “Bill” Sunblade, beloved husband for 64 years of the late Laura Sunblade, passed away on Dec. 5, 2023, at the Masonic Health Care Center in Wallingford. Born in New Haven on June 17, 1929, Bill was the devoted son of the late John and Albertina Sunblade. Bill graduated from Hill House High School in New Haven and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

He was a proud veteran of the Korean War and served his country faithfully for nine years. Upon his discharge from the service, he moved his young family from Camp LeJune back to Madison. There, he would build a life for himself and reside there for most of his life. Bill was employed by the Southern New England Telephone Company for almost 30 years. At the same time, he moved back to town and joined the North Madison Volunteer Fire Department. The fire department held a special place in his heart. When asked if he was a member, he would always reply, “I still am.” He felt he was privileged to have served as the chief. His sense of patriotism and sense of duty were a defining aspect of his character. Bill served on a variety of town committees throughout his life. He worked on two school building committees, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Madison Land Trust, the Republican Town Committee, and the West Side Cemetery Association in North Madison. He was a member of the North Madison Congregational Church, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing the building of the Fellowship Hall. Bill was a 63-year member of Madison Masonic Lodge #87.

He relished his free time and dabbled in various hobbies. He was a noted golf duffer, an aspiring banjo player, a surf casting fisherman, and an accomplished bowler, playing in the fireman’s league. His greatest talent was in woodworking. He was truly a master craftsman, one who could build and fix anything. He delighted in giving his “Blade Originals” to family and friends.

Bill is survived by his daughter Judy and her partner Nancy, his son Jeff, and his daughter-in-law Pat.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the North Madison Congregational Church. Burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Madison Volunteer Fire Department. The Hawley Lincoln Funeral Home in Guilford is caring for the arrangements. To sign the online guestbook, please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.