William Follert

William Follert died peacefully in his childhood home on May 24th after a four-year battle with stage four gastrointestinal cancer. Bill beat the odds and surpassed the timeline the doctors outlined time and again- a true testament to who he was. Bill lived a full life at 62 years and celebrated his recent birthday before his passing.

Bill was born in New Hartford and was the youngest of four to Paul Follert and Elizabeth Athorn.

He is survived by his children Billy Follert and grandson Levi, his daughter Tracy, and ex wife Nikki.

Bill is survived by siblings Deborah Etchegary, Paul Follert, and Colleen Follert. Colleen, who without question, went above and beyond to provide the utmost care to her brother in his final months.

He has many nieces and nephews who are very close to his heart and always made him smile;  niece Jennifer Etchegary and niece Kelly Follert and her husband Aldo Tartaglino along with children Summer, who he always called ‘Baby Summer,’ Samantha, and Aldo Jr, who Bill nicknamed ‘A and J.’ He is also survived by nephew Michael Follert and his sons Blake and Denver.

He was a proud member, and ultimately Chief, of Nepaug Bakersville Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Burlington Men’s Club, and a man known around town. Bill loved seeing people he knew and would never forget a name.

Bill treasured time with his friends and family; he loved traveling with Tracy and working on projects with Billy. Many have said that he ‘lit up’ when his children were mentioned. He loved the yearly trip to Lake George with his kids and dinners with his sister, Colleen. He enjoyed nature, watching the animals, and spending time with his best friend and brother, Paul, at the mill. He enjoyed every visit and call from friends and family, especially as he became more ill.

Please take some time to remember the fun memories, the laughs, and the good times shared together. His last wishes were for us to to see this not as a mournful loss, but a remembrance of the good times shared and a life well lived!

Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT.   Burial will be private.

Condolences may be sent to the Follert family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com