Let not the circle be unbroken.Ecclesiastes 12:6 Remember him-before the silver cord is severed,or the golden bowl is broken;before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,or the wheel broken at the well,and the dust returns to the ground it came from,and the spirit returns to God who gave it....In the book of Hebrews,the Faith chapter 11 verse 35, Women recived their dead,raised to life again...From death to life to death to life,Christ on the cross(death) to life resurection.Forever and ever perpetually eternelly,the circle of life will not be broken,just belive it`s obvious.~Peace Glenna~

What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful person. Noah, your comments made me laugh because they are so true: where there was sports and food, there was Bill!!!
He was a friend to everyone. Always had a smile and a kind word. When he walked around the Ballpark at Harbor Yard, he couldn't take 3 steps without stopping to talk to someone. This is so hard to believe...
RIP, my friend. You will be missed more than you will ever know.

Noah,

I had the pleasure of working with Bill Gonillo for nearly five years. He was a big teddy bear! Always working harder than anyone else in the newsroom. You can't walk into a gym in Fairfield County without someone knowing "Gonillo". He had such a sense for great sport stories. And a passion for his work. As friends we would often talk about life. He would always say "you have to live for the moment". With a smile on his face he did that ...always. Gonillo, you're the best!

Noah:

Well said about a terrific person. I've
known Billy since his early days in radio
at WELI. There was never a time that I saw
Bill that I didn't smile afterward. He had
that effect on everyone. Covering sports in
our state won't be the same.
God Bless You Bill.

Bill Gonillo was a treasure in my life. He was a brother, friend, and therapist. His sense of humor and ability to make a person laugh was unparalled. He cared for and worried about everyone in his life more than he did himself.

Bill enjoyed life every day. He cherished his family and his friends. Bill lived his life to help them and make them happy. He succeeded.

For a man who spoke on the air for a living, Bill was an incredible listener--he was Dr. Phil before there was a Dr. Phil. He listened so intently because he cared. He epitomized selflessness.

Selfishly, I feel like nobody will miss him as much as me, but I know in my heart a ton of people feel the same way.

Joe Linta
Branford

Dave and I had the pleasure of knowing Bill and working with Bill while we in Connecticut wiith Yale, the Sound Tigers, and JL Sports. What a fantastic human being and always made us feel welcome. We were so saddened to hear the news this morning, and as we are away from Connecticut, just spent some time together talking about all of our encounters with Bill and what a great man he was.
Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, co-workers and sports fans throughout the state. What a tremendous loss for everyone.

We will miss you, Bill!
Sondra & Dave Baseggio
Peoria, IL

Noah-

Thanks for sharing your memories of Bill.

I am stunned to hear the news but finding comfort in what others are fondly remembering.

Everytime Bill and I spoke he always called me "kid" (I'm 35!). So recently I started doing the same to him. His enthusiasm for his work was like few others I've ever met.

I was always honored to be worthy of his friendship. Billy The Kid - Rest In Peace.

John Holt

Bill was the greatest of guys. As a video editor I always enjoyed working with Bill when he came by to voice over a show for The Outdoor life network. He had a contagious personality and was great fun to work with. He will be missed by everyone who ever knew him.

It is so heart warming to read all the posts about about Bill. I worked with Bill for many years at News12 CT. He was a big guy - with a really big
heart. He put that heart into everything
he did. Bill always found to way to make the
sports story a life lesson story and not
just about the final score. He had an open,
warm personality that just made you want to
be around him. My heart is a big heavy
knowing he won't be around anymore. Bill
will be missed by many.

Billy, as we called him growing up, is my cousin. We grew up on Juniper Ridge Dr in Waterbury. Being a few years older, I might have steered him toward the Yankees and the Cowboys, but he stood with Notre Dame football and basketball. We watched Austin Carr beat UCLA's 80-something game winning streak in his familyroom a long, long time ago and he raised his arms and sped around the room celebrating.

He was my whiffleball teammate for years and not just because somebody had to take the youngest kid in the neighborhood on his team. I prayed he'd get a hit, just so I could bat another time. During the summer of '71, he kept stats for our games. It made no difference if we played in his backyard, down at the beach in Milford, or in the middle of the street; at the end of the fall before we switched over to touch football he gave me a stat sheet noting my 78 homeruns in wiffle/tennis ball. I can't count the times when someone, usually my brother Vince, would rattle a bedroom or bathroom window with a shot that would send my poor Aunt Judy out to her back patio to warm us not to break anything.

Eventually we began to all grow older. Then teams were Joe and Vin vs Billy and cousin Mark. We usually held our own in wiffleball, played only one best-of -three series in hoops against them, and would root on the Yanks and the Cowboys like crazy. We even went to the Bronx together for a few games and caught the Cowboys @ the old Yale Bowl. I missed Billy @ Holy Cross by one year. That was too bad.

By the time I graduated college, he was at the University of Hartford. When he started interning @ ESPN (never quite sure why he wasn't hired there), I new he was going to make it. At times we both shared Oscar Madison as an idol. I never really got to mix with him much after that. My dad told me he had a radio show in the mid 80's, so I called him up and we chatted before going on the air. "Don't say your last name on the air," he told me. So Joe from Vermont called into a CT news station and chatted about why Don Mattingly should be the MVP.

We really enjoyed the '78 Red Sox collapse and the Cowboys' Super Bowl wins. Staubach and Aikmen; Charlie Waters and Cliff Harris; He kept me apprized during the late '90s when he was following the Yanks on their title runs, and I'll guess he was watching when Tony Romo dominated the Bears last night.

When my mother called Sunday evening, I could tell something was wrong. How was she going to tell me this tragic news? So I asked her to just tell me; she did; and like everyone else - I was shocked.

In my English classes you deal with death. As a coach, you try to teach student/athletes real life lessons. I have a newspaper article in my room about Billy when he first started - he went to Hawaii to cover a game - and sometimes kids ask me if that's my picture, or if the story is about me. I shake my head and answer, "I only wish it was."

Noah,
I've read the wonderful things you and other folks have said about cousin Bill. I remember him as the cousin who memorized the backs of baseball cards at age seven. I'm not talking about knowing the facts of the heros of the game. I mean all the cards, for all the players, for that season!

I remember the sun up to sun down, and frequently beyond, until the bats (the winged type) chased us inside, wiffle ball games in his back yard. The tackle football games in the same yard, in the fall, in the snow and many times in the dark. I remember the his enthusiasm never failed. No mater the score, the time of day, or the quality of the team he was on. It was always about playing the game.

There was a post about Bill calling everyone kid. Well our grandfather Joe used to call every one kid too, except he'd say it in Italian. I must admit that my Dad and I do it all the time too. Until now it must have unconsciously made me remember my grandfather. From now on it will consciously remind me of Bill too.

Here's to you kid.
Life won't be the same without you.

Vince

Bill was a wonderful person who will sorely be missed. He played softball with by husband in Waterbury some time ago. He always had a smile and I will miss him terribly...

I didn't know him personally, but I sure did
know him from News 12. Seemed like such a
nice guy-- always pleasant to watch. My
condolences go out to his family and friends
and co-workers and everyone close to him.
He will be missed by them and the TV
audience as well.

want a great guy we will miss you i never ment a nicer guy big hart will miss you big guy

I cannot quite believe the news of Bill's passing. I worked with him at WELI in the mid-to-late 80s. Bill was an usher at my wedding in '89.
He was simply one of the funniest people I've ever worked with, and also one of the nicest. Not a mean bone in his body.

It's very difficult writing about him in the past tense. This is simply unbelievable.

In Memoriam

In countless gentle, kindly ways
He lived a sermon all his days
Believing in the folk he knew
And making friends his lifetime through.

Enjoying life, its work and fun
He sought the best in everyone.
Living his faith from day to day
He sowed good seed along the way.

Now death has set his spirit free
In fields of immortality
To claim a task of greater worth
Than any he had known on earth.

To the family

It appears that nothing surpasses
All your grief and despair.
But God is a mighty refuge
And your loved one is in His care.


Miss me but let me go

When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take and each must go alone,
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me, but let me go.






Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there... I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry—
I am not there... I did not die...

I had the pleasure of working with Bill twice. Once when he was an intern at WDRC in the early-mid 80's, and then at WNAQ in Naugatuck in 1986. Bill was (can't believe I'm writing "was") a riot...I still have the aircheck of he and I doing an hour on the air together, as well as the cart of when he looked up "Sammy Davis" in the Waterbury phone book when the GHO was underway, and asked Sammy how he could afford to pay the winning purse! He was unable to attend my wedding a few years later, but he wanted to be the first person to watch the wedding video with me.

As happens in life, you lose contact with people. One Saturday this past December while I was on the air at DRC, the studio line rang. It was Bill, just letting me know he was in his car listening, being his typical self by giving me praise while deflecting it from himself. We talked for about a half hour, and I am so grateful that we had that opportunity.

God Bless You Bill. You're a wonderful guy, and it was an honor calling you friend.

Rob Ray

I worked with Bill in the 80's at WELI. I have very fond memories of working with Bill. He always had a smile on his face and never an unkind word to say about anyone. I'm not a big sports guy but even I enjoyed listening to Bill and later on watching him. That is how good he was. He died way too young and we will all miss him.

I didn't really know Bill except as a gentleman who always had a big smile and hello for everyone he came in contact with. He truly loved his work and you could tell this by watching him whether it be on the TV or at a sporting event. I was a volleyball official in Fairfield County and there was nobig bigger advocate for high school sports, girls or boys. Bill covered them all.
My condolences not only to his family , but his broadcasting family and friends also.
He will be missed!

What can I say about how we are feeling ?
We love and miss you. However, we will
never stop loving you or forget all the
good times and memories we made together.

Who is going to ring my doorbell after 11 pm?
Who will stay and visit until 4am and talk
about everything from soup to sports?

Who is going to eat all my homemade cookies
and get a lecture from me on that?

The one thing I will never forget is the
ride to the hotel the night of Doug and my
wedding with you and Dan. We will never
forget the vacations at the Cape. Neither
will Alan or Robbie. We will cherish all
the Xmas's we had together for a few hours.

Doug will never forget watching all the games
with the three amigos , you, Dan, and Craig
and his Dad. Even though you did not root
for the same teams , it was still special.

Yes, those will be the days that will be
missed , but the memories of you will always
remain in our hearts.

Life sometimes stinks Bill, but I truly
believe that the Dear Lord never throws
more to us than what we can handle. Some-
where there is a lesson for us who were
left behind to learn though you. I have
to believe that is the plan and that you are
in peace.

You came into my life over seventeen years
ago, when Doug introduced us. I liked you
from the first introduction and then you
became more than a friend. You were like my
little brother.

Who knew how famous you were? You never
talked about it or bragged. You were just
Billy, and we love you and miss you and
hold you close in our to our hearts.

You were the most giving person I have
ever met and never expected anything in
return. You were a gentleman and a very
loving man. We will miss you, and always
love you .

Love always and forever,
Mary Ann and Doug Daly (The Dudleys)

I received an email this morning simply titled 'very sad news about our friend'. I was afraid to open it, but knew I had to. When I did, my heart felt like it was about to stop. Perhaps it did for a second. Although I am not related to Bill, did not grow up with Bill, and did not work with Bill..I have been lucky enough to 'have fun' with Bill for the better part of the last 10 years thru mutual friends. A few times a year Bill would make the 'road trip' down to my business in Brooklyn, and walk in an 'take over the place'..and my employees, with his infectious smile and humor...and of course it was olnyminutes before he asked 'where's the food'. A few times a year we would see each other in CT. at a charity event, or in AC or Las Vegas on one of my business conventions that he would attend, religiously, with a few of our mutual friends. You always knew when Bill arrived because he filled up the room not only with his SIZE but with his wit and kindness. Once he arrived, the 'fun' started, and the laughs were non stop.
I will miss this greatly. I will miss him calling me on my cel at 3am and saying 'where we going next', or 'can I borrow your badge to the show tomorrow so I can walk around and check it out'...to which I always said 'sure'..and then the next evening he would tell me to expect a lot of phone calls the next month from people soliciting business because he 'had meetings' for me, wearing my badge...and they scanned the info into their computers. :)
Bill, we all know you are up there with the 'big guy' right now...wreaking havoc and making new rules about how to have fun, and how to help others.
People often use the term 'gentle giant' loosely, in Bill's case, it is truly meant for him.
Until we meet again..keep them laughing up there, big man.
Your friend,
Stevie 'Flash' Scavelli

To Bill's Family:
My late husband Ken and Bill were friends for years. They both shared the same passion for sports and broadcasting. I remember meeting Bill 14 yrs ago when I was pregnant. He was the only person who predicted I was having a girl. And he was RIGHT. He was a great guy and will be sorely missed.

Worked with Bill at WELI in the 80's not only could he eat but he could talk too. One of the good guys in the world.Taken far too young. I'll always fondly remember our fun times on the WELI softball team. RIP Magilla

I'm not sure what I can say that hasn't already been said. I worked with Bill for two years at News 12. Although it wasn't a long time, I became to think of Gonillo as a cherished friend and mentor of sorts. At work, I was often in charge of checking up on him in the sports office, reminding him when he was supposed to be on air and getting his scripts ready to head downstairs.

Bill loved what he did. And like everyone has said, he genuinely cared about all the people around him. I loved that guy and he will truly be missed in my life. If there's one more thing I could tell him... it's that me and my long-time girlfriend (who Bill lovingly referred to as "Lady Sag") are getting married. I know he would be happy for me.

God Bless.

John Saginario

I was asked by a contributor to this list to post the following:

Arrangements: Funeral Thursday 9 a.m. from Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury to Blessed Sacrament Church, Robbins St. Waterbury for a mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury. Calling hours Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions can be made in memory of William F. Gonillo to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Virginia 22312.


For more info visit: www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com
Services for William Francis Gonillo
Wake Wednesday 4-8 PM at the funeral home
Funeral Thursday 9 AM at the funeral home
Mass Thursday 10 AM Blessed Sacrament Church
Burial Calvary Cemetery

I first met Bill in 1986. I was the public address announcer for the Waterbury Indians (double A affiliate of the cleveland indians)& Bill was the play by play guy on WNAQ. Even though the team did pretty badly, I very much enjoyed seeing Bill every game in the press box. Over the years as an employee of CRN I ran into him at the Volvo tennis (now pilot pen) tournament in New Haven & the GHO(now travelers) golf tournament. As Noah said you could always find Bill by the media buffet. But his heart was even bigger than his appetite. He truly was a great guy & a top notch sports reporter. He really loved his job & the people he met along the way. Godspeed Bill!!!!

Getting to chat with Bill at Bluefish games was always so much fun. He came to the team's World Series party and taped fans. And sampled the buffet, of course. He enjoyed hearing stories of Olympics and sports guys I'd met when at ABC or ESPN. And he had always said, "Here's my number....call me if you need anything." I've had a chance to chat with a couple of high school coaches and with former Bluefish GM Charlie Dowd in the past day, and all had the finest regard for Bill. They have stories and a few laughs, and a lot of thanks for having known this affable, big bear of a guy. What a nice man, and a fine journalist...for ANYONE to have known. How lucky they will be in heaven to have Bill chronicling the --real-- Angels' games. He will keep them smiling. We know that for sure.

--Dave Barrett
Correspondent
CBS News - Radio Network

Noah,
Thank you for the wonderful things you
have said about Bill. Those of us who were
lucky enough to know him know that how
wonderful he was. He will be missed by
us all.

Noah...Great tribute to a great man.
Rich Marazzi and I worked with Bill Gonillo on WICC and currently on
ESPN Radio with our Inside Yankee
Baseball show on Saturdays from 10-nooon
He was 20 years younger than Rich and
me but his knowledge, his personality,
his great voice and great heart inspired us to feel he was not that young. We will miss him a great deal. He was so much a part of our show. We love you, man.
Bill Pucci

Bill was a good person and friend. I saw Bill
on 2 occasions one for the Wake of Ron Romer
also of WELI who was a member of the New Haven
Blades and was on WELI over 30 years also a
great person. I was talking to Bill that night
and asked Bill How he was Doing .He said he
was doing fine but had to Manage his Diabetes
better and then I saw Bill At the Pilot Pen
and of course Same question asked and gave
me same answer. He always had a smile on no
matter what Happens. I guess god needed a
Sportscaster with Him. R.I.P. Good Buddy and
Let the angels watch over your Family
Edward Reinholtz

I am walking in honor of Bill Gonillo in Fairfield on October 14th for the American Diabetes. I have formed a team called "Friends of Bill" and if you would like to make a donation online to our team, please visit
www.diabetes.org and click Sponsor Walker. You then have to select the city (Faifield) and the team (Friends of Bill). The site will then walk you through the rest. If you have additional questions or comments, please contact me via email.

Let's raise a lot of money for American Diabetes and stop this disease from taking anyone else out of our lives.

very very smile :) thanks

Aloha, I like your site! I shall be back again.