Willard C. Minton

Willard C. Minton, 79, died Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Will and his twin sister were born on June 3, 1945, in Washington, D.C. He leaves his beloved wife of 55 years, Patty; grandchildren Zachary, Jay & Kylie Minton; his daughter and son-in-law Maresi & Timon Brown along with their children Henry, Maria, & William; his daughter and son-in-law Katherine & Philip Tackett along with their children Julia and Sam; and his twin sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn & Jack Sandlin.

Will was predeceased by his parents Jacoba Minton, Alice Minton, and Ruth & Bill Minton; his son Peter Minton; and brothers Henry Minton & Bill Brain.

Will grew up in Danbury, CT, and Houston, TX. In his late teens the family moved to Stratford, CT, where he graduated high school in 1963. He attended the University of Connecticut and earned a degree in Music Education, and then began his lifelong vocation of teaching others to love and create music. Following their marriage, Will & Patty lived in Winsted for several years before making their forever home in Barkhamsted. Will taught both choir and band at The Gilbert School, facilitated summer band programs for local school-aged students as well as adults, gave private lessons, and led the choir at Second Congregational Church of Winsted. He co-founded and guided many sought-after performance groups such as the Valley Swing Shift big band and Harmonious Brass Choir. Will was musical director for many local theatre productions at both The Warner Theatre and The Theatre Guild of Simsbury. Particularly meaningful to Will was the beloved Star Band, rehearsing and performing only once per year at Barkhamsted’ s July 4th Parade.

It would be impossible to list all the people who learned something about music from Will. Most of all, he loved making music with his family. Will spent many hours arranging pieces for Patty and their children to play at church, at weddings, or simply in the living room at home. He prioritized making instruments and lessons available for the kids. Will also loved to document family events in the many thousands of photos taken over the years, to read, and do the daily crossword using a pen.

The family would like to thank all the many people that cared for Will over the recent months. In lieu of flowers, they request that donations be made to The Second Congregational Church of Winsted Music Fund - 800 Main St., Winsted, CT, 06098; or to The Cancer Care Fund of The Litchfield Hills - 200 Kennedy Drive, Torrington, CT 06790. A memorial service will be held at Second Congregational Church on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 1pm.