William Ernest Munson

Teacher/Coach Bill “Tiger” Munson passed away February 16 in Phoenix, AZ, at the age of 84. He was born on April 25, 1927, in Berlin, CT, and was raised in Plainville, CT. He attended Linden Street School and Plainville High School. His grade school summers were spent picking tobacco and strawberries. In high school, he worked at Petersen’s Restaurant as a server. He joined the U.S. Navy while he was still in high school and worked as a Pharmacist’s Mate 3rd Class. He was stationed in San Diego and Washington, D.C. After the Navy, he attended Springfield College in Springfield, MA, earning his B.S. and M.A. in Education. He married Ellen Robertson of Plainville. They lived in Shelburne Falls, MA, from 1951-1954, where he taught at Arms Academy. In 1954, they moved to Phoenix where he was hired as a teacher at West Phoenix High School. Before retiring, he also taught at Central High School. Over the years, he taught P.E., Driver’s Ed., and Health. He also coached baseball, football, basketball, and golf. Summers from 1974-2006 were spent in the cool pines of Munds Park, AZ. He was a member of Pinewood Country Club and was active in the community there, heading the Friday night Bingo and playing his keyboard with The Back Room Boys. Golfing, fishing, dancing, bowling, music, cards & games, wood crafting, Yahtzee, and jigsaw puzzles were just some of his hobbies. He loved people and loved a party. He loved his family and was very generous with his time and resources. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his beloved & devoted wife, Ellen; son, Dr. William E. Munson, Jr.; daughter, Sheryl Castelhano (Curt Stenson); granddaughter, Erin Engelbrecht (Gerhard); grandson, Michael Munson; granddaughter, Anne Yeh (Rich); great-granddaughter, Sophie; and great-grandson, Tyler; brothers, Donald and Vining (Butch) & families; sister, Connie. He was preceded in death by brothers, David, Robert, and Walter; sisters Elaine, Joan & Vina. A reception to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, March 24, 2012, starting at 1:00 PM at the Munson home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Hospice of the Valley or the Arizona Humane Society in Bill’s name. And, give your loved ones a hug.