William E. McGraw Jr.
William 'Bill' E. McGraw, Jr., age 62, of Hamden, passed away at his home on June 20, 2017. Bill was born in Milford on January 26, 1955, the son of the late William E. McGraw, Sr and Elaine (Anderson) McGraw Gagner. Bill is survived by his wife Deborah Hoyt McGraw; his son Michael C. McGraw of Hamden; his granddaughter Kylie Palumbo; his sister Catherine Russell of Vernon; mother in-law Evelyn Hoyt of Stratford, and several nieces and nephews and other extended family members. Bill was predeceased by his son Alexander J. McGraw in 2013. A resident of Hamden most of his life, Bill was a former school psychologist and later Assistant Superintendent for the Hamden School System, from where he retired. He had a master's and 6th year degree from Southern CT State University and also attended MA College of Liberal Arts for administration. He loved his career and dedicated his life to improving the lives of the many students he worked with. He also loved spending time with his family and friends, and playing with his granddaughter. He was fascinated by military history, particularly the Civil War. Bill played football for Jonathan Law High School and was proud to be an All State player. He was also a former professor for Southern CT State University and always enjoyed a good golf game. He was an avid NY Jets and Yankees fan. Bill was a Mason in the New Haven Cosmopolitan Lodge No. 125 and was Past Worshipful Master. Friends may visit with his family on Sunday, June 25th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. The Masons will perform a Masonic ceremony at 7:00 PM and his funeral service will follow at 7:30 PM. Graveside Service will be private with his family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bill are asked to be made to the Hamden Education Foundation, P.O. Box 185783, Hamden, CT 06518 in honor of his son Alexander J. McGraw.
Dear Debbie and family, My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Wishing you solace and strength in coping with your loss. Pat
Debbie and Family, So sorry to read about Bill’s death. Unfortunately I will be out of town and will not be able to attend the services. My deepest sympathy to you and your family!
My deepest condolences to the McGraw family – I worked with Bill while at the Hamden BOE and he was such a genuine, smart, and kind person. He always had a smile on his face and made a positive impact on everyone around him. A great guy to be around and he will certainly be missed. Jeff
My deepest sympathy to Debbie, Mike, Cathy and family. Bill was such a genuinely kind and compassionate man who will be missed by many!
Bill was a good friend of mine growing up. We lived near each other and would always be playing some form of sports games. Bill was a gentle soul and always had a kind word to say about his friends. He will always be remembered by many.
My most sincere condolences to the MaGraw family and friends. Ive heard so much about Bill from the Stalsworth/DiBlanda family, I know he was a wonderful, supportive person who truly touched people’s lives. I hope his family and friends can take comfort in the many memories they created together!
My sincere condolences to Deborah and the entire family. Bill was such a positive presence at HPS. He was a guest of honor several times at the Annual Music Banquet, and he was always so supportive of student concerts and other performances. I got to know Alex while teaching a music technology elective, and after Alex’s passing Bill and I continued to share memories of Alex. May our memory of Bill be a blessing to us all. The goodness that he embodied continues in some form in all who knew him. Peace be with you.
My sympathies and prayers to the entire family. May the memories you made together bring you peace, and the love & support from those around you help ease your sorrow and bring you comfort. I am so very sorry for this terrible loss.
To a gentle man may peace be with you My heartfelt thoughts are with your family
I am very sorry to know that Bill is no longer with us. Alex was my student, Bill was my colleague, and together we spoke about the terrible loss of our sons. Bill was always kind, funny, and willing to listen. I am sorry that life has dealt this to your family, and I believe in reuniting with our loved ones on the other side. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
I am a retired Hamden teacher. I never had the pleasure of working in the same building as Bill but we did cross paths when he was personnel director. He was very kind to me during a difficult time in my life. I will never forget his compassion and his encouragement. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Such a wonderful man. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.