William John "Bill" Pease

William John “Bill” Pease, 74, of Essex, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. He was born on December 8, 1947, to the late George Sydney Pease and Genevieve (Rogers) Pease. Bill leaves behind his wife of 26 years, Loretta Berry; his daughter, Michelle Pease of Stonington; and his two grandchildren, Sawyer Dixon and Rye Dixon.

He was predeceased by his brother, George “Jay” Pease. Bill also leaves behind his brothers, Kimball Pease (and wife, Janeece) of Texas and Lawrence “Larry” Pease of San Diego, CA; his sisters, Carol Egan of Colchester, Susan Nadeau (and husband, Mark) of Vernon, NJ, Nancy Tighe of Old Saybrook, and Polly McBrien of Middletown; and many nieces and nephews which filled his life with laughter, joy, and love. Bill also had an enduring love for Dalmatians, with him and Loretta having five beloved Dalmatian companions over 35 years.

Born in Hartford, Bill spent his childhood in the greater Enfield area. After graduating high school, Bill attended and graduated from the Hartford Institute of Accounting & Finance. He later graduated from the University of Hartford and immediately began a career at United Technologies/Pratt & Whitney. Bill spent over 35 years of his professional career there, working in accounting, finance, and risk management. Bill also served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington.

After retiring from United Technologies, Bill helped form a small company called Boat Services of Block Island, where he served as Treasurer. He then started a second “dream job” career on Block Island, operating the OldPort Marine Launch for over 12 years. He welcomed in “salty” travelers mooring in the Great Salt Pond and formed enduring friendships with boaters from around the world.

A love for sailing and navigation brought Bill to Block Island and then St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he and Loretta enjoyed their winters for over 10 years. His voyages at sea brought him to waters throughout New England, Bermuda, Cuba, Mexico, and elsewhere. Bill also enjoyed mountaineering and running, completing the Boston Marathon for two consecutive years alongside his brothers, Jay and Larry.

Bill served on the Board of Directors for the Block Island Maritime Institute and was a member—and eventually, President—of the Board for the Crescent Beach Cottage Association. He was a member of the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club and the Block Island Yacht Club, where he served as a Fleet Captain. Bill also held a Master license from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Bill’s family will receive friends from 3-6PM on Sunday, October 2, 2022, at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main St., Centerbrook, CT 06409. A funeral service will be celebrated at 10:30AM on Monday, October 3 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 23 Main St., Essex. Guests are asked to go directly to church on the morning of the service. Following the service, interment with military honors will be held at Riverview Cemetery in Essex. In lieu of flowers, Bill requested donations be made in his honor to the Mary D Fund, P.O. Box 323, Block Island, RI 02807.