William Edward Cody

Captain William Edward Cody, a man of principles, went home to his eternal rest on November 22, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Stamford on April 15, 1953 to Ann Burns Cody and the late Edward J. Cody, Bill attended St. Johns Parochial School and Stamford Catholic High School where he was a standout in Football and Track. An Eagle Scout, Bill received a Congressional appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, where he again was a standout on the football team coached by the late George Paterno. Upon graduation, Bill was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy Reserve and a 3rd mate in the U. S. Merchant Marine. Bill then sailed the world as he achieved an MBA from UCONN. In 1987, Bill received his U.S. Coast Guard license as a Master, Unlimited Tonnage, giving him the right to Captain any size ship on the world’s oceans. Upon completion of his sailing career Bill and his wife Felicitas Loughran Cody, lived in Palos Verdes, CA where Bill managed ships at the Port of Long Beach/Los Angeles and enjoyed all that California has to offer including many evenings watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. Returning to CT, Bill and Felicitas settled in Stamford while Bill managed ships for several companies in the maritime industry, most recently General Maritime in NYC. A devout Catholic and man of integrity, Bill was a 4th degree knight in the Knights of Columbus Lodge of New Canaan, and a past president of the Ancient Order of Hibernian’s, General Philip Sheridan Division in Stamford. Bill was a bicycle and skiing enthusiast and a lifelong Yankees and Giants fan. Bill loved travel, especially going back to his roots in Ireland with his Irish born wife, Felicitas.

Bill was an avid historian and loved the fact that his maternal great-grandfather, William Burns, was one of the first three families to live on Stamford’s West Side, while his paternal great-great grandfather was John Scott whose farm on Trinity Pass Rd became the town of Scotts Corners, NY.

Along with his wife Felicitas and his mother Ann, Bill is survived by his son Stephen Kelly and his wife Kelly of Walden, NY; his siblings, Erin Cody of Hull, MA; Beth Ann Rieck and her husband Michael of Stamford and John J. Cody of Venice, CA. Bill is also survived by his grandchildren Kyrah and Colin Kelly; his nephew and niece Alex and Theresa Rieck and countless friends throughout the world. A true gentleman - Bill loved life and life loved Bill. The family will receive friends at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford, CT on Friday, November 26th from 3 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, 279 Atlantic Street, Stamford, on Saturday, November 27th, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Sellecks Corners Cemetery in New Canaan, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ancient Order of Hibernians Window Fund for The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, c/o Ann Rafter, Ancient Order of Hibernians, 186 Grey Rock Place, Stamford, CT 06901.