William “Bill” Edward Wells, 70, of Branford, passed away peacefully at Connecticut Hospice after his courageous battle with lung cancer.
Mr. Wells had a 30-year illustrious career at SNET/AT&T, working his way up from installation and repair to marketing management. Bill Wells was born in New Haven on July 19, 1945. He was the second son of ten children born to Margaret and John Wells. Mr. Wells attended Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1962 and served honorably for five years. Early in his active duty, he displayed a maturity of judgment beyond his years and was invited to take on the coveted and esteemed position of Marine security guard at the United States Embassy in Accra, Ghana, and later in Nairobi, Kenya.
Until recently, Mr. Wells enjoyed the beautiful weather and close camaraderie of friends in his retirement in Goodyear, Arizona, with his late wife. Friends and family knew Bill for his sharp wit, sunny disposition, and appreciation of well-prepared clams casino. He was a skilled tennis player and devoted Red Sox fan who took great pleasure in coaching and refereeing East Haven and Yale Youth Hockey for many years.
He is survived by his son William Paul Wells (Gina) of Branford; his daughter Carolyn Wells Gallagher (Seamus) of Truckee, California; and his grandchildren Carter Wells, Corey Wells, Cameron Wells, Isabella Gallagher, Kellen Gallagher, and Brennan Gallagher. In addition, he is survived by his loving siblings John Wells (Marion) of Ocean Pines, Maryland; Michael Wells (Sherrie) of Kendall Park, New Jersey; Doreen Olenkiewicz (Peter) of Porter, Texas; James Wells of Rocky Hill; Kathleen McCarthy (Dennis) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Arleen Magda (Michael) of Branford; Richard Wells (Donna) of Wallingford; and Peter Wells of East Haven. He is also survived by numerous dear nieces, nephews, and friends who were like family to him. He will also be dearly missed by his cherished cat Milo. Mr. Wells is predeceased by his beloved wife Carol Ann Carone Wells.
At his request, there will be no funeral service. Visitation hours were March 12 at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to Connecticut Center for Child Development, a non-profit organization for individuals with autism, helping them become active participants and contributing members of their families and communities, CCCDINC.org, or The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405. For an online memorial please visit www.wsclancy.com.
