Wesley William Willard, a devoted family man, respected veteran, and dedicated community member, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Center in Dowling Park, Florida. He was 85 years old.
Born on February 25, 1935, in Plainfield, Vermont, Wesley was the son of Wesley Joseph Willard and Violet Halvosa Willard. His early years were marked by a commitment to service and excellence, as evidenced by his achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Plainfield High School in 1955 and soon after joined the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country.
After his military service, Wesley embarked on a career with Pratt and Whitney Aircraft as a material handler. His sense of duty extended to his community as well, where he served in the Wallingford Police Department Auxiliary Division.
In 1993, Wesley and his wife, Judith Mae Lyman Willard, moved from Port Charlotte, Florida, to The Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, Florida. There, he continued his tradition of service as a member of The Advent Christian Church and an active participant in the Builders Guild.
Wesley is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Judith Mae Lyman Willard, and their three sons: William Christopher Willard (Diane) of Northford, Connecticut; Stuart G. Willard (Nina) of Wallingford, Connecticut; and Wesley J. Willard II (Kimberly) of Southington, Connecticut. His legacy continues through his six grandchildren: Matthew, Joshua, April, Andrew, Robert, and Elizabeth, and nine great-grandchildren.
Wesley was predeceased by his brother, James Willard, his sister, Shelia Hotchkiss, and his grandson, James A. Willard.
Graveside funeral services were held on Friday, July 17, 2020, at Bixler Memorial Gardens East in Dowling Park, Florida, where he was laid to rest with honors befitting his life of service and dedication.
Wesley William Willard will be remembered not only for his professional and community contributions but also for the profound love and guidance he provided to his family. His life stands as a testament to the values of duty, service, and commitment that he upheld throughout his 85 years.
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.