William "Bill" James Burt

William “Bill” James Burt, of Woodbridge and Wallingford, Connecticut, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his home on April 18, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born on January 24, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, he was the loving son of the late Edward and Emma Becker Burt. Bill is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of over 70 years, Lillian Michel Burt. He lives on in the hearts of his children and their spouses, Mike & Barbara, Steve & Susan, Sue & Chris Heard; his six grandchildren that he loved dearly, Daniel (wife Michelle), Michelle (wife Brittany), Theodore, Benjamin, Sara, and Jeremy. He is also survived and deeply missed by his brother, David and sister-in-law, Nancy Lewis Burt. He was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth Toth and brother, Donald Burt.

Bill grew up in Detroit and moved to North Haven, CT when he was 14 years old. After receiving a BS in Engineering from the University of Connecticut, Bill served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Topeka, KS for three years. After a short time living in Massachusetts, he and Lil moved the family to their home of 57 years in Woodbridge, CT. He worked as a sales engineer at Eastern Industries, Hamden for 6 years then together with his wife Lillian they founded Burt Process Equipment in 1970. He spent the balance of his career building their industrial distribution and manufacturing business and eventually moved the company to Hamden, CT not far from where he grew up and went to high school (Hamden High). Even in his later years he continued to stay involved with the company that he and Lil had founded so many years earlier. He cared deeply for his employees and considered everyone who worked for the company to be part of the “Burt Process family.”

Bill was an avid skier who enjoyed sharing the sport with his family and friends at their Wilmington, VT chalet that he and his father helped build together in 1969. He served for many years as Director and President of the Chimney Hill Owners’ Association. He loved the outdoors and was an enthusiastic tennis player, boater, fisherman, hunter, and cyclist. He loved to travel with Lil, his family and friends. They visited so many wonderful places together throughout the US and the world. He always said his most memorable vacations were the ones he took with his kids and grandkids to Vail, Maine, Nantucket, and Canada. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren and was always there for their sports and activities.

As a longtime resident of Woodbridge, Bill served for many years as the Woodbridge Fire Department Commissioner and as an officer at The Woodbridge Club. He was the leader of a Cub Scout Pack and loved participating in Boy Scout Troop 7 meetings and events. He was actively involved with the Church of the Good Shepherd in Orange, CT where he was a member of the vestry, a longtime usher, an active member of the men’s club, and where he developed lifelong friendships.

In 2019 Bill and Lil moved to independent living at Ashlar Village, Wallingford with their dearly loved dog, Molly. Bill made many friends during his five and a half years at Ashlar Village and was regarded by others as a kind and gracious gentleman. His smile and greetings will be greatly missed.

Bill was a dedicated family man who will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and strong work ethic. He loved his family above all else and was deeply loved in return.

Family and Friends are invited to gather on Friday, May 2nd, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518. Interment and service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601 or click on the following link for Alzheimer’s Association Tribute Webpage for donations: William James Burt.