William L. Lyons, Jr.
MERIDEN - William L. Lyons, Jr., 91, died Saturday, April 5, 2008, at Masonic Healthcare Center in Wallingford. He was the husband of the late Evelyn O'Brien Lyons. Born in Meriden on May 29, 1916, he was the son of the late William L. and Lena Spencer Lyons, Sr. He was the founder of the Lyons Tool & Die Company in Meriden and Northeast Carbide in Southington. He was a member of Center Congregational Church and a member of many Masonic organizations, including Naval #4 FAAM in Washington, DC and Meridian Lodge #77 A.F. & A.M. Bill was also involved with many units of the Sphinx Shriners. He was very involved with Meriden activities being a president of the Meriden Exchange Club and had served on the Board of Directors of the Meriden Boys Club, Meriden Y.M.C.A, Camp Cuno, Meriden-Wallingford Manufacturers Association, Community Action Agency of Economic Opportunity and the Meriden Chamber of Commerce. He took great pride in Meriden and contributed much to Meriden's welfare. He was also a charter member of the Farms Country Club. Bill was on the board of Directors for First Federal Savings and Loan and Laurel Bank. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and cared about his entire family-sisters, brothers and friends. He is survived by two sons, William L. Lyons III and his wife Sharon (Kennedy) Lyons of Eastford and Douglas S. Lyons of Meriden; three grandchildren, William Lyons IV and his wife, Rissa, Neal Lyons and Gini Selvaggi; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Bernice Lyons and Doris Miller, both of Meriden and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Marion Lyons England and Phyllis Lyons Rotert and a brother, Kenneth Lyons. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, at Center Congregational Church, 474 Broad St., Meriden. The Rev. Donna Cassity will officiate. Burial will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beecher and Bennett- Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden.
Bill III and Family, I fondly remember the telephone conversations with your Dad in the early years that I worked for CDA, and then later with you. I pray that God will bless you with comfort and peace and give you strength to look through the chill of rain and see ahead the bright warmth of the rainbow.
I had the honor of caring for Mr. Lyons and his wife Evelyn for many years. They were special people – devoted to their family and the community. I truly enjoyed touring Bill’s Tool and Dye Company on two occasions and appreciating his pride in its continued growth. He leaves a rich legacy and warm memories and will be missed.
My condolences to the whole family.