William ‘Bill’ Poglitsch

LAKEVILLE — William ‘Bill’ Poglitsch died peacefully on Sept. 21, 2022, with his wife of 50 years Sue by his side. He was 78 years old.

Bill was born on April 21,1944, to Anna Poglitsch of East Lyme. He was raised by Mr. and Mrs. John D. Gleason of Norwich, who he affectionately referred to as Ma and Pa.  His mother Anna was a loving presence throughout his life.

Upon graduation from Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he specialized in communications. His service then  took him to Camp Smith in Hawaii where he ended up playing  football for the Marines, citing that “We never lost a game!“ From Camp Smith Bill received orders to go to Vietnam where he served several months as a field radio operator.  Sergeant  Poglitsch returned from Vietnam to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to finish out his service until October of 1966. Bill was proud of his military service and remained a true patriot throughout his life. He loved the Marines.

After serving his country, Bill returned to his family in Amenia, where he worked for the family business the Cunningham Market. He eventually began his career with Taconic Telephone, an independent telephone company, where he worked for 45 years. On October 7, 1970, Bill met Sue Hickey. They were married on Oct. 14, 1972. They have one daughter, Karen, She was his pride and joy, and his role as husband and father defined him.

Bill was loved and admired for his calm nature, work ethic, Catholic faith and genuine kindness. He and his wife built their home in Lakeville, where Sue resides. He had a passion for The Outer Banks in North Carolina, where he and his family enjoyed many vacations. Bill cherished these times at the beach with family and friends.

Bill is survived by his wife of  50 years Sue (Hickey) Poglitsch , and daughter Karen Poglitsch of Lakeville. He is also survived by a sister, Rosalie Kasper of Towson, Maryland, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Mr. and Mrs. John D. Gleason and Anna Poglitsch, and siblings Margaret G. Cunningham, Edward Gleason and John Gleason.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 11a.m. at The Church of Immaculate Conception in Amenia, followed by a burial  with Military  Honors at the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salisbury. All are welcome to attend. Funeral arrangements under the Newkirk and Palmer Funeral Home in Canaan CT.

Bill would say “I’m in the wind” whenever he departed from a place. He will  be remembered by his wonderful sense of humor, keen wit, his gentle ways and his genuine kindness to all.