William (Bill) Pastor

William (Bill) Pastor of Torrington, CT, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2024. He was born on January 7, 1924, in Torrington, CT to the late Theresa (Komanci) and Charles Pastor, one of six siblings. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Ida (Sacco) Pastor. He is survived by his daughter Judith and her husband Charles Trout; by his daughter Lynn and her husband, George Razoyk; by his grandson, Robert Trout; by his granddaughter, Victoria and her husband, David Santoriello; by his great-grandchildren, Isabella and Everett; and by many nieces and nephews.

Bill spent his youth helping with chores on the family farm, and attending school, excelling in Mathematics and English, with a special talent for poetry recitation, which he continued throughout his life.

Bill joined the Army during WWII and deployed to the Pacific Theater as a member of the 672nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion. After the war, Bill joined the Connecticut National Guard, serving in the NATO Forces in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He completed his 23-year military career in the Connecticut National Guard, from which he retired as a LT Colonel. Bill considered himself ‘Military’ until his last days.

Bill worked at various manufacturing companies during his career as a Tool & Die Maker and Mechanical Engineer. He designed components for the Ford Motor Company and was proud of an excellent design effort and job well done.

 He was an avid golfer! He loved to play the course at Stony Brook, where he was a member for many years. Bill loved the competition, precision and exercise that golf provided. He continued to play until he was in his 90’s, both locally and in Florida, where he spent winters enjoying the Circlewood community in Venice, FL with his close friend, Katie Mannion.

Bill spent his final years living at Keystone Place at Newbury Brook. The Pastor family is eternally grateful to every member of the Keystone community who welcomed him as one of their own. Every caregiver in the Applewood Memory Care unit treated “Mr. Bill” as if he were their own father, grandfather, uncle, or best friend. The staff was often entertained with his vintage sayings and incredible recitations of poetry. Keystone, we can’t thank you enough!

The funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, with the cortege leaving at 10:30 a.m. from Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St, Torrington, CT for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter Church, 99 East Main St., Torrington, CT at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Torrington with full military honors accorded. A calling hour will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home on Wednesday morning. 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, a contribution can be made to any Veterans organization. Condolences may be sent to Bill’s family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com