Andrew William Delohery Jr.

Andrew William Delohery, Jr.,” Bill,” age 87, of New Fairfield, CT died peacefully, Monday, July 4th, 2022, at his home. He was holding Nan’s hand, his wife of 62 years, and was surrounded by many of his loving family.

Bill was born in Danbury, CT to Andrew William Sr., and Clara (Willis) Delohery. He grew up on the family farm in New Fairfield with his sister Joan (Delohery) Barbarie, who left us in 2007, where they raised dairy and beef cattle, sheep, and pigs. A student in New Fairfield’s Consolidated School, he went on to graduate from Henry Abbott Technical School’s carpentry program in 1955. As a young boy, Bill was a member of the 4-H Club. His club planted many evergreen trees that still grow on Pine Hill today. In his teenage years, he served as an air warden keeping a lookout for enemy planes. He also played an active role with the fire department, helping to battle brush fires.

Bill married Laura Nannette Stietzel on September 26, 1959. They built their family home on farm property where they would raise their five children. It was there that you could often find neighborhood kids helping bale hay or weed the garden. He continued his work with 4-H as an adult and, with Nan, served as a leader for years. He taught many children about the rigors and joys of farming, farm animals, gardening, and trees. Bill served in the Connecticut Army National Guard. Stationed at Fort Dix, NJ, he cooked for the troops and was recognized for his expert shooting skills.

Bill was an active member of the New Fairfield community. Early on, he was a member of the Company A firehouse and was involved with the clean-up from the devastating Flood of 1955. Later, he was instrumental in setting the communications tower at the newly-built Company A firehouse. Bill was a member of the Congregational Church of New Fairfield and served on many boards and committees. In town, he served on the Wetlands Commission and was recognized in 2001 for being the longest-serving member of any town committee at that time.

Although Bill was always a farmer, he worked as a crane operator with Barrett Roofing of Danbury, CT for 25 years. Always a man of hearth and home, Bill kept extensive gardens, and he was never without animals. Over the years, his family could count on him for fresh vegetables and berries, chicken and duck eggs, and beautiful flowers.

Younger generations benefited from his extensive knowledge of farming and gardening. While his passion for farming and his work ethic had a big impact on his family, kids from the community also benefited from his time. Bill often assisted them when they planted starter plants or wanted to learn about raising animals. He introduced many to the livestock auction house process to pick out chickens, ducks, and rabbits to raise, wanting to ensure the future of agriculture. Many of these “kids” have gone on to embrace various aspects of farming that gave him such joy.

Bill is survived by his wife, Laura Nannette (Stietzel) Delohery, and their five children: Andrew (Jodie) Delohery III, Susan (Robert) Kalbaugh, and Beth (Tim) Schult, Dianna Delohery, Pete (Tamar) Delohery.

Beloved grandchildren include Hannah and Sophia Delohery; Zachary (Gina), Ashley and Caitlin FitzGerald, Nathan (Jen) Schult and Chelsea (Tyler) Patenaude, Claire, Daniel and Caleb Delohery. Treasured great-grandchildren include Ella and Easton Patenaude and Natalie Schult. He is also survived by his nieces Melissa (Barbarie) Strempski and her family, Jean (Stietzel) Denesen and her family, and his nephew John (Michelle) Stietzel and their family. He enjoyed the company of his great nephews, Josh and Jameson Stietzel, as well as, Zach DeMelo and Kristy Capodagli, whom he counted as bonus grandkids. Bill was blessed with numerous extended family members and many friends that have become family, especially the Goodie Shoppe gang.

To say that Dad/Bill will be missed is a huge understatement. He would love nothing better than for us to help our neighbors, to enjoy our families, and to spend the day in a field or garden whenever possible.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, July 22, 2022, at Green’s Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury. Services will be 1 pm, Saturday, July 23, 2022, at the New Fairfield Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be mailed to Woodbury Future Farmers of America ℅ Mr. Balinski, #5 Minor Town Road, Woodbury, CT 06798, or Congregational Church of New Fairfield (Book of Remembrance), 20 Gillotti Road, New Fairfield, CT 06812 https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z5SY/campaign/C-12KFK