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William B. Hawke

William B. “Bill” Hawke, 94, of Essex, passed away peacefully at Middlesex Hospital on June 8 surrounded by his wife and daughter. He was born on Sept. 1, 1928, in New London and was raised in Westerly, Rhode Island. Bill graduated from Loomis School and Bryant College and then served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He later met his life’s companion, Mellicent (Whitlock) Hawke, at B. Altman and Company in New York City, and they were happily married for 68 years.

He worked for the textile industry while living in Cleveland, Ohio. Bill was transferred to New York City in the ’60s, and the family moved to Basking Ridge, New Jersey. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church there and then became owner of Hawke’s Village Hardware. After selling the store, he and Mellicent moved to Essex to enjoy boating. He worked part-time for several businesses before retiring. The First Congregational Church became a large part of his life as he served in so many ways: building houses for Habitat, mission trips, serving at the soup kitchen, moderator, treasurer, and deacon. He installed life-lines for the Middlesex Hospital, was a FISH driver, one-time member of the Lions Club, an honorary member of the Essex Fire Department, a member of the Essex Boat Club, a former docent at the Essex Historical Society, and a faithful member of the Ancient Order of Essex Weeders. His favorite volunteer activity was reading to a class at Essex Elementary School each week. Bill loved gardening, bridge, and woodworking, but most especially his family.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Mellicent; daughter Tracy (Scott) Perrapato; son Chris (Charmaine) Hawke; grandchildren: Kyle, Jenna Perrapato, Ryan (Karla), and Casey; and great-grandchildren, Simon, Elliott, and Olive Hawke. The family is so grateful for the care that Bill received at Gladeview Rehab, Middlesex Hospice and Home Care, and all his wonderful aides.

Visitation will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sunday, June 25, at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street Centerbrook. A Celebration of Life will take place at 11 a.m. on July 14 at the First Congregational Church in Essex (casual attire). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church of Essex or Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries. To share a memory of Bill, please visit the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home at rwwfh.com.