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William John Niedbala, 68, of Ivoryton passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 8. Bill was born and raised in New Britain, the son of the late William and Jean (Smulski) Niedbala. After graduating from Pulaski High School, Bill earned his associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology from Hartford State Technical College. He later graduated from Central Connecticut State University with bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Bill was employed at Pratt & Whitney for several years and transitioned to Henkel-Loctite, retiring in 2019.

Bill married the love of his life, Cynthia Kearns Niedbala, and moved to Ivoryton where they raised their family. He was a devoted husband and father, who was very proud of witnessing the successes of his daughters. Bill loved antique cars, gardening, and home improvement projects. In recent years, Bill’s passion was living as Santa Billy, bringing joy and kindness to children with special needs, families in financial distress, and establishing his “Operation Holiday Happiness” to meet the growing needs of others.

Bill was a devoted communicant of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish. He was also active in the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Sorrows Council 12113, serving most recently as Grand Knight. He also served as faithful navigator for the Father Philip Sheridan Assembly, Fourth Degree.

Bill is lovingly survived by his wife of 44 years, Cindy; and their children, Megan and Bethany. He also leaves his mother-in-law, Charlene Kearns, and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, friends, and neighbors to grieve his loss.

Visitation was held on Dec. 13 at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook. Bill’s funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 14, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church (St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish) 14 Prospect Street in Essex. Interment will be privately held by his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to the Secret Sleigh Project (www.secretsleighproject.org or secretsleigh@gmail.com) and the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Sorrows Council 12113, P.O. Box 103, Essex, CT, 06426. To share a memory of Bill or send a condolence to his family. please visit www.rwwfh.com.