William Bill' Francis Conklin
December 16, 1942 ~ September 3, 2010
William 'Bill' Francis Conklin, 67, of Hamden, beloved husband to Catherine Bianchi Conklin, passed away on September 3, 2010 after a long illness. He was born in New Haven on December 16, 1942 to the late William Conklin and Josephine Hile. Besides his loving wife of 42 years, Bill is survived by his three sons, Christopher Conklin and his wife Gail of North Haven, Michael Conklin and his wife Amy of Hamden, and Joseph Conklin of New York, NY as well as two grandchildren, Marty and Ian. He also leaves behind a sister, Cathy Brink Steskla and husband Louis, their two children, Brian and Carrie and their families. All will remember him for his gregarious personality and generous spirit. Bill was an employee of Metro North Railroad for over 40 years, retiring in 2002. He was active in the St. Rita School community, Indian Guides, Boy Scouts of America and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed cooking, swimming, tennis, playing cards with his cousins and friends and vacationing in Vermont and Rhode Island. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Rita's Church, Hamden, on Wednesday, September 8th at 10 a.m. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday evening at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden from 5 to 8 p.m. Burial will be private. Contributions in Bill's memory may be sent to St. Rita's School, 1601 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06517 or CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.
Cathy and Family, We are saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. His sense of humor and loyalty to friends and family will always be remembered. He was a memorable presence. Our sympathy and prayers are with you all.
Cathy and Family, We send our deepest sympathy and prayers. When we first moved to Hamden from RI and our daughter Michelle attended St Rita, Bill made us feel most welcomed and inclusive in the community. He was a pleasure to be with and to volunteer alongside him. We will pray for his repose and your solace. Bob, Helene, Charlene & Michelle Blanchette
Dear Cathy and Family, We were so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, and will always remember his kind ways and generosity of spirit towards the children at St. Rita’s summer camp. You will all be in our prayers. May God grant you all peace and strength in the days ahead. The Martini Family
Dear Cathy, I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed the moments when our paths crossed. Bill was such a warm, affable character. I will keep you and your sons and their families in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Mrs Conklin and Children:I am sorry to hear about your loss. Mr Conklin was a good man and a great father to his children. I will remember him in my prayers.
We will always remember Bill’s vitality and sense of humor. And his deep generosity and kindness. He was a remarkable man and a great friend. What wonderful times we had! Au revoir, Bill! Our best wishes to you, Cathy, Chris, Mike and Joey. This is a sad time, indeed. We wish we could offer our condolences in person. See you soon!
Dear Cathy & Family, Let me offer you my deepest condolences on the passing of Bill. He was truly a lovely person with a kind heart. I shall always hold fond memories of Bill in my heart and cherish our friendship and good times we had together.
Dear Cathy, Mike, Joe, and all your family, I was very saddened to hear about Bill’s passing. I will always remember his great personality, how funny and friendly he was to everyone and how he welcomed me in the USA when I came for the first time. You and your family are in my thoughts. All my family in France is joining me to send you love. My Dad especially, Jean-Jacques, that you met and who remembers Bill very well. My deepest sympathy and love to you and yours, Much love, Louise
Dear Mrs. Conklin, Please know we are very sadden by this news. Our condolences are with you. God Bless you. Tricia and Armand DeToro
I am so saddedned. Bill was a charismatic leader when he ran the PRA for the Railroad. I have many many fond memories and funny stories that I think about often that star Bill.
My deepest sympathies to the Conklin Family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Our Deepest heart felt Sympathy to all whose hearts are broken , our s feels your pain. May you all find peace in all the memories he gave you all.
Our sincere condolences and prayers are with you and all your family at this time.
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Bill was the most professional boss and eloquent gentleman during my tenure in the MTA Metro-North Passenger Revenue Department. I shall keep your family in my thoughts and prayers during your time of sorrow. God Bless, J. LaFrance-Zwack
So sad to hear, Bill will be remembered fondly for his humor and keeping spirits high on the railroad.
So sorry for the loss of Bill He was like a father figure to me on the court. I played tennis with him and he was alwyas so nice and had a great sense of humor. We had great times together at matches and when we went away for tournaments and to Newport. He will be greatly missed.
Dear Cathy: While visitng Ct this past weekend, we saw your husband’s obituary. I had to reach out to you after so many many years later to offer my condolences and prayers. My thoughts are with you.
Dear Mrs. Conklin and family We are so sorry for your loss. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Lynne & Bill Couse
Mrs. C, and Family, Know that my prayers are with you as you adjust during this difficult time. Bill was loved so much and we will have memories to share for years to come. Remember he has no more pain only happiness. My Love to all, Jason
Mrs. Conklin and Family – Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult days. God bless – Art,Gail & David Bellucci
Dear Cathy, Chris, Michael, Joe, My mom has had many stories to share as she remembered your husband and dad with us over the past few days. You are very, very special to my parents. I have wonderful memories of Vermont; a favorite place of mine as a child. That was possible because of your sharing of your Vermont place. I hope you will find peace and comfort in the memories you shared as a family. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Lynne Stanley Landry
Sending Blessings and Peace to Cathy and the entire family. He will truly be missed.
Dear Cathy & family, Our deepest sympathy is wished for you & your family. Bill was such a great guy always made people feel welcome. The last time we ran into him was at Glenwood in Hamden when we were visiting CT. He was happy to see us, & it was great to see him. Our prayers & thoughts are with you & your family. All our love, Karl, Doreen, Erin & Lindsey Wagner
Dear Cathy & Family, Let me offer you my deepest condolences on the passing of Bill. He was truly a lovely person with a kind heart. I shall always hold fond memories of Bill in my heart and cherish our friendship and good times we had together.
I knew Mr. Conklin through his son Chris. Mrs. Conklin taught at St. Rita’s School when I first met Chris. Chris had been my friend when I attended St. Rita’s School. My older brother knew Mr. Conklin. He was very nice man. Sorry to hear of his passing away.