William Newman

On March 26, 2023, William Newman of West Hartford, CT, beloved husband of Joan Newman, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 83. He was better known as Bill to all who knew and loved him. Bill was born in Kovno, Lithuania on April 28, 1939 and was a Hidden Child Survivor of the Holocaust. His parents, the late Irving and Lea Newman, hid him with non-Jewish families, along with late sisters Florence Post and Lana Newman. Miraculously, his father, mother, and sisters survived the Holocaust, one of the very few nuclear families to survive intact.

In 1949 the Newman family emigrated to the United States, settling in Waterbury, CT, becoming citizens in 1954. Bill went on to UCONN, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Poly-Sci in 1964. He then served honorably as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy from 1964-68. After serving his country, he earned a Master’s Degree in Housing and Urban Renewal from NYU in 1971.

Bill would marry Joan Schepart in 1973 and they built a life together starting in Waterbury, raising two sons, David and Michael, then moving to West Hartford in 1991. He worked as a city planner for many years in Waterbury.

Bill’s passion for classical music and the violin lasted well into his later years, as he continued to take lessons and perform with string ensembles.

He will be most remembered for his gentle smile, loving nature, and quiet fortitude. Bill was a dedicated family man who is survived by his wife Joan, son David and his wife Davina of Killingworth, CT, and son Michael and his wife Jessica of Trumbull, CT, and four wonderful grandchildren: Jaden, Cole, Ella, and Ava.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s honor to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Dr, West Hartford, CT 06117.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s honor to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Dr, West Hartford, CT 06117.

Shiva gatherings will be held at the Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford during the hour preceding evening services from 6-7pm on Tuesday 3/28, Wednesday 3/29, and Thursday 3/30.