William Newell

It is with great sadness we share that William A. Newell, age 76, passed away in Norwalk, Connecticut. If he could, this avid story teller would tell you he was born August 28, 1949, on a warm Sunday in Yonkers, NY to his beloved parents, the late Margaret and James Francis Newell Sr.

Bill was a man of many words, quick to share a dad joke with his youngest granddaughter Madeline Paradise, a poem for his wife Elaine, or a speech whenever the occasion allowed. He loved telling stories about growing up with his four siblings:James, Thomas, Timothy and Alice. He was proud to have volunteered at the Red Cross, worked for Verizon for 38 years where he was an active union member of CWA Local 1103 as well the safety coordinator for Key Garage.

His passions extended to sports of all kinds: the Little League World series, golf, pro sports, and one of his greatest joys,watching his granddaughter Kate’s field hockey career. He was young at heart, a man who enjoyed video games, perfecting his Christmas French toast bagels, and grilling his one- of- a- kind hot dogs whose snaps could be heard all the way to Yankee stadium.

Poppy was the grandpa that went to every play and concert his grandchildren were in. More than that, he was a connector, pulling people together and making relationships possible. He took genuine pride in celebrating the accomplishments of others, often proudly bragging about his girls Kerry and Kim.

Besides his passion for words, he loved his Miata and will always be remembered zipping around town to run errands with the top down, his crisp white Scally cap just covering his silver fox hair.

He is survived by his loving wife Elaine Newell of Norwalk, CT, his daughters Kerry Pierce and her husband Hudson of Erie, CO, Kimberly Lehmann and her husband Travis of Buford, GA, his step sons Paul Paradise and his wife Kristina, Chris Paradiseand his wife Jess of Norwalk, CT and grandchildren Kate and Madeline Paradise, Lannah Johnson, Mary Pierce and Brett Pierce, along with many other family and friends who will miss him dearly.

At the family’s request there will be no service at this time.