A Lifelong Westporter and Veteran
Born on August 14, 1930, in Norwalk, CT, William “Bill” Vornkahl III grew up in Westport, CT. The son of William F. Vornkahl, Jr. and Alice Gerrish, Bill’s early years were filled with memorable moments, such as playing his trombone along Post Road to celebrate the victory in Japan in August 1945.
Military Service and Early Career
After graduating from Staples High School in 1948, Bill worked as a bank teller before joining the Army. From 1952 to 1954, he served as a high-speed radio operator in the 1st Cavalry Division, 13th Signal Corps, spending 14 months on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. During this time, he exchanged letters with Linnea, his future wife, whom he met on a blind date before his deployment.
Family and Career
Bill returned to Westport and married Linnea on May 15, 1954. He resumed his banking career at Westport Bank and Trust, eventually retiring as a branch manager in 1987. Even in retirement, Bill remained active, spending over 30 years driving people to and from nearby airports until Spring 2020.
Community Service and Dedication to Veterans
Bill’s dedication to service extended far beyond his professional life. A member of the American Legion Post 63 and VFW Post 399 for over 60 years, he also served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Greens Farms Volunteer Fire Company since 1950 and Vice President/Treasurer of the Saugatuck Hose Co. #4 since 1999. From 1973 to 1993, he was the president of Westport Volunteer Fire Company. In recognition of his service, Bill was inducted into the CT Veterans Hall of Fame in 2013.
Mr. Parade: A Westport Icon
Bill is perhaps best known in Westport for his role as chairman of the Westport Memorial Day Parade since 1970. He was a fixture at the event, leading the parade and hosting after-parade services. His involvement in the Westport Italian Festival Parade and numerous other parades earned him the nickname “Mr. Parade.”
A Life Full of Adventures
Bill and Linnea were avid travelers, attending parades and visiting national parks across the country. He proudly visited all 50 states, driving in 49 of them. His favorite experiences included attending the Rose Parade in California and visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Bill was also a passionate sports fan, particularly of the Giants, Rangers, and Mets, and enjoyed car racing, often taking his family to the Danbury Fair Racearena.
Beloved by Family and Friends
Known for his good humor and friendliness, Bill made lasting connections wherever he went. He is survived by his four children, William Vornkahl IV (Diane), Susan Meineke (Richard), Ed Vornkahl, and Diane Malone (Joe), and seven grandchildren, Allison, Kelly, Billy, Jennifer, Karalyn, Brian, and Jamie. Bill’s legacy includes cherished memories of summers at Compo Beach, family barbecues, and holiday traditions. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mary Linnea Vornkahl, sister, Margaret Troll, and brother, George Robert Vornkahl.
Honoring His Memory
As we commemorate Bill’s birthday, we remember a man whose life was a testament to service, dedication, and community spirit. Bill’s funeral services were held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 41 Easton Road, Westport, on February 2nd. Interment followed at Willowbrook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Bill Vornkahl’s life continues to inspire and impact all who knew him. On this day, we honor his memory and celebrate the enduring legacy he left behind.
