William Christopher Hain

William “Bill” Hain passed away suddenly from a heart attack on May 25, 2025, at the age of 64. Born in Norwalk, Connecticut, Bill was raised in the close-knit community of Rowayton, where his lifelong love of the water first took root. He graduated from Brien McMahon High School in 1978 and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1983.

After college, Bill launched his career with the Hain Brothers family business in Norwalk, later transferring to its Windham location. He and his then-wife, Catherine, put down roots in Franklin, where they spent more than twenty years and raised their three children. In later years, he made his home in Waterford and, most recently, Old Saybrook. After Hain Brothers was sold, Bill continued in the construction-materials field, spending more than three decades at Cherenzia Excavation and later Rawson Materials. Renowned for his tireless work ethic, Bill’s guiding goal was always to give his children every opportunity to succeed.

An avid fisherman, Bill cherished early-morning runs on Long Island Sound with his brother Rob and a circle of lifelong friends. In his younger years, he headed to Pulaski, New York every fall for the salmon run, coming back with stories whether or not the salmon cooperated.

Bill’s final day was spent exactly as he would have wished: enjoying a wonderful day surrounded by all three of his children, his grandchildren, his sister and her family, and his mother. The family takes deep comfort in knowing that his last hours were filled with laughter, love, and togetherness.

He was predeceased by his father, William H. Hain. He is survived by his three children—Fritz Hain and his wife, Katriya, of Tampa, FL; Carolyn Collins and her husband, Kris, of Farmington, CT; and Lexi Hain and her husband, Zach, of Coventry, CT—and by four wonderful grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his mother, Helena Hain of Old Saybrook, CT; his sister, Wendy Malcy and her husband, Bob, of Redding, CT, and their sons, Max and Alex; his brother, Rob Hain of Breinigsville, PA, and Rob’s sons, Justin and Carson. He is also survived by several cousins and extended family members both in the United States and abroad.

Family and friends are invited to attend a remembrance reception, which is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, with remarks at 2:00 pm. The service will take place at the Mystic Seaport Museum, 104 Greenmanville Ave. (North Entrance), Mystic, Connecticut. All who knew Bill are welcome to attend and share memories of a man whose quiet generosity, hard work, and love of the sea left an enduring mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. A private burial will be held in keeping with the family’s wishes.