William E. 'Boody' Liedtke

william liedtke
William E. 'Boody' Liedtke, 76, of Guilford, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on April 10, 2020. He was born in Meriden on August 10, 1943, son of the late William A. and Edna (Hallbach) Liedtke. Bill honorably served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as a Boilerman Petty Officer 2nd Class, traveling the world on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Enterprise. He went on to a career as a Plants Operational Manager for the State of Connecticut. He worked at several locations, including Central Connecticut State University and New Haven Mental Health Facility. Bill enjoyed a long retirement in a house he custom-built out of a small cottage overlooking Lake Quonnipaug. He could often be found hanging out on the deck with family, friends, and loved ones. He loved to fish for trout on the lake from his boat named 'Tooch'. He was a long-time member of the Indian Neck Yacht Club in Branford where he docked his other boat and played many hands of Setback with friends. He was a competitive rifle shooter belonging to the New Haven Sportsman's Club, Silver City Gun Club of Meriden and the Middletown R&R Club, and participated in matches throughout the Northeast U.S. and Canada. For many years he coached the rifle team at Wilcox Technical High School. Bill was an avid Red Sox and UConn Women's Basketball fan and loved watching and cheering for both teams. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and the National Rifle Association, and belonged to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Meriden. Bill is survived by his son William A. Liedtke and daughters Michelle Liedtke and Bonnie Liedtke-McIntyre and husband Scott McIntyre; the mother of his children Betty Peterson; his sister Mary Liedtke Robitaille and her children and grandchildren; his partner Joan's children Sherri Ferraiolo, Jo-Ann Little, Kathy Manchester and husband Steve, and Andrew Little and wife Sherri; and Joan's grandchildren Michael Ferraiolo, Brandi Mullen, Lynn White (Harold), Megan Little, and Thomas and Daniel Manchester. Bill was predeceased by his beloved long-time partner Joan 'Tooch' Little, his brother Freddie Liedtke, and his brother-in-law Eugene 'Babe' Robitaille. The Liedtke family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Yale New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus for their compassion and loving care for William and his family in this difficult and uncertain time. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at a later date. Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, Meriden is assisting with the arrangements. Memorial donations in Bill's name may be made via check to the New Haven Sportsman's Club Youth Scholarship Program at 4158 Durham Road, Guilford, CT 06437.

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  1. I fondly remember the first time I met Bill. He was baking bread and we broke bread while reading the Liedtke Log (he journaled the weather). I was his friend and neighbor. He was .The Mayor. of Blanks Blvd. When my sister rebuilt her house he helped out everyday. When the Bvld needed plowed or the road needed potholes fixed Bill was on it. My hot water heater exploded and he fixed it the same day. He was generous, dependable, giving, helpful and kind. He was a simple guy with many friends and a loving family. I was honored to have known him. RIP Boody

  2. Special K, he loved you something fierce, and he loved the boys. Talking with you the other day really helped me. All my love, and happy to be family. <3

  3. Willie, Bonnie and Michelle, we are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are broken. We will miss Dad, Grandpy Bill very much. He brought us much joy and many great memories. He treated us and our kids as if we were his own. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. We will always be here for you. You ARE our family. All our love, Special K, Steve, Thomas and Daniel.

  4. Boody loved to give out nicknames. I got mine -Hyphen- because I was a snotty teenager who didn’t know how to appreciate him at the time. He loved my mother and us kids like we were his blood. He would do anything for anyone. Too many memories to count. The lake was a special place that he loved to share. The thing that sticks with me is the cupboard he had where he kept all the homemade cards from everyone. He never wanted a gift just a homemade card. Now that I am a card maker I get it. More love goes into that effort than buying a gift. I hope you guys enjoy going through those a reliving the memories of your dad. He will be missed. Love you all!

  5. We first met Bill Liedtke when we moved in to the house next door on 4th street in 1973, we became friends immediately and that friendship has stood the test of time. We can’t even begin to tell you how much just knowing Bill has affected our family. As a young couple we looked to him and his family as a role model. As a young couple we learned many life skills from that we still use every day. Our kids grew up knowing him as -Uncle Bill-. He was a very outgoing and generous individual that loved to hunt, fish, and shoot and to teach others those skills. He loved the company of friends, Bill loved his family. He will always be with us. The picture was taken at our house on Christmas eve 1977. Glenn & Linda Feldhouse


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