William D. Hegener

William Dieter Hegener, at the age of 86 passed away on February 6th , 2024, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family in Andover, CT. He was a beloved husband, father, and friend and will be sorely missed by all that knew him. Bill was born on September 18th, 1937, in Darby, PA to the late Joseph Hegener and Adelheid (Sautter) Hegener. Both parents emigrated through Ellis Island from Germany in 1928. Bill was close to his younger sister, Diane. They were protective of each other and looked out for one another as they grew up. He attended Norwell High School in Massachusetts and graduated in 1955. Bill spent his young adult summer years in Humarock Beach, MA as a lifeguard where he fell in love with his late wife Nancy (Lee) Hegener. They got married and immediately moved to Morgantown, West Virginia. Bill went on to attend West Virginia State University, he graduated in 1967 with a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering. He finished school all while raising three children Jay, Suzanne, and Mindy. The whole family relocated to Andover, CT in 1967. Bill started to work for the State of Connecticut DEP and retired as Director. Almost 40 years ago he founded and was the first director of the Oil and Chemical Spill Response Division which later became the Emergency Response and Spill Prevention Division. Bill was the architect of the division and built Connecticuts spill response program from the ground up. Bill was an incredibly committed worker and dedicated boss. Bill later rekindled love again when he met and married his wife, Trudy Gress. He took a city girl and showed her the country life and they enjoyed their time together traveling, hunting, and open sea fishing trips. Together they adopted and raised their daughter Marissa. In his spare time Bill enjoyed recreations like hunting, fishing, and gardening. He loved listening to old country bluegrass music and singing along. Bill also was very passionate about the UConn Womens Basketball, if the girls were playing everyone in the rolodex got a call with the time and channel! Bill was a life-long active member and avid volunteer at Fin, Fur, and Feather Club and Skungamuag Fish and Game Club. Bill loved spending time with his kids and grandchildren teaching them all the good things in life but especially how to fish. Bill was extremely intelligent being able to add great insight to any conversation. Bill also was an incredible friend always offering a helping hand to those in need. He loved all animals and often gave back to the community. Bill was predeceased by wife Nancy and stepdaughter Kim. Bill is survived by his wife Trudy, his son Jay and daughters Mindy, Suzanne, and Marissa, his stepdaughter Dawn, his sister Diane, his grandchildren Jesse, Jason, Jillian, and Jenna. He was lovingly called PaPa by his grandchildren. We will miss you. Calling Hours will be February 11th, 2024 from 11 am to 1 pm with a Memorial Service to begin at 1pm at the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home located at 400 Main Street, Manchester CT. Luncheon followed directly after at Georginas Restaurant (275 Bolton Turnpike, Bolton CT 06043) starting at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bills memory may be made to: Andover Fire Department (11 School Rd, Andover Ct 06232) or Andover Food Pantry (PO Box 55, Andover CT 06232). To leave an online condolence, or visit Bills tribute, please visit www.holmeswatkins.com








Services

Calling Hours / Wake
Sunday
February 11, 2024
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Holmes Watkins Funeral Home
400 Main Street
Manchester, CT 06040


Memorial Service
Sunday
February 11, 2024
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Holmes Watkins Funeral Home
400 Main Street
Manchester, CT 06040