William James Marhefsky

William James “Bill” Marhefsky, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, died at home on Sunday, June 20, 2021. He was 83. Bill was born in Torrington on August 17, 1937, son of Anthony and Camilla “Mary” Marhefsky, and was a lifelong resident. 

Bill was a man of tremendous kindness, deep generosity, quick wit and dry humor who never met anyone whom he didn’t eventually count as a friend. From his “misspent” youth spent tearing down and rebuilding countless automobiles to his years of service to his community throughout his adult life, Bill never let the grass grow under his feet. 

Bill was a proud Husky, graduating with honors from the University of Connecticut in 1959. He spent over 60 years as a Certified Public Accountant. He loved jazz and appreciated polka. He was an accomplished musician, playing trombone in St. Peter’s Drum Corps, the UCONN

Marching Band, the Torrington Civic Symphony, Leo Liddle’s Big Band, and numerous other musical groups. 

Bill served as Treasurer of Local 514 of the American Federation of Musicians union for over 50 years. He was honored as Musician of the Year in 1982 and for Outstanding Service in 1991. One of his favorite gigs and a highlight of his childrens’ and grandchildrens’ years was playing in the band that welcomed Santa and Mrs.Claus as they arrived in their sleigh each December for the opening of Carl Bozenski’s Christmas Village. 

Bill spent countless hours during his children’s youth inside or parked in front of the Torrington YMCA, supporting not only his own children, but countless other kids participating all levels of Torrington swimming. He could build or fix anything, but especially enjoyed building and flying RC airplanes. He won several “fly-in” events for his stunning renditions of vintage aircraft. 

Prior to his semi-retirement, Bill was an active member of the Torrington Elks Lodge #372, and served several terms as a Trustee. He was also a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Torrington, serving for many years on the Golf Tournament and Youth Golf Tournament organizing committees. In his later years, Bill was fortunate to winter

in Naples, FL, but always returned to his hometown roots during warmer months. 

Bill was an avid golfer, and scored a hole-in-one in two different Elks Club golf tournaments during the 1990’s. He is still waiting for his prize. He earned his private pilot’s license and flew until vision problems sadly grounded him. He was a SAAB aficionado and a proud Mercedes owner. He was a voracious reader who relished devouring the daily crossword. He loved the Whalers -- both the New England and Hartford versions, but never the Carolina version. He had a quiet authority and the patience of a saint. Bill so rarely raised his voice or uttered a four-letter word out loud that if he did -- everyone listened. 

Bill is survived by his loving wife Evelyn (Malone), with whom he would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in July. He is also survived by his children Steven, and his wife Tarrie (Johnson) Marhefsky of Goshen, and Valerie, and her husband John Santos of Keene, NH; his grandchildren, Sydney Marhefsky, Ailinn Santos, and Maxwell Santos; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Louis Marhefsky and sister-in-law, Shirley (Madden) Marhefsky. The song has ended, but the melody lingers on.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a celebration of Bill’s life at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Harwinton on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m, Burial will be private, at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in remembrance of Bill Marhefsky to The United Way of Northwest Connecticut, PO Box 1001, Torrington, CT 06790, or by visiting https://www.northwestunitedway.org, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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