William H. Telford Jr.

Born on October 8, 1928 to the late Isabelle (Lawson) and William H. Telford, Sr. he was a lifelong resident of Madison, CT. His childhood home was 124 Boston Post Road in the East River section of Madison. He attended The Academy Street School and was a 1946 graduate of Daniel Hand High School. He earned an Associate of Science degree in Building Construction and Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA in 1948.

On January 13, 1951, Bill and Jayne were married at St. Joseph’s Church in New Haven in a ceremony officiated by the Rev. Charles L Hewitt. An accomplished builder, Bill designed and built a beautiful colonial garrison home for his bride at 131 Boston Post Road, Madison where they happily raised their 5 children.

Bill joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952 and proudly served as a corporal for 2 years at Cherry Point, NC during the Korean Conflict. He was responsible for the architectural design of the U.S. Navy yards which were being constructed on the East Coast during wartime. He then visited those Navy yards to help supervise their construction.

Bill was a very well respected building contractor who joined his father in William H. Telford and Sons Contractors & Builders, Inc. When his father became ill, a young Bill became president of the company and devotedly continued the work of his father including the construction of St. Margaret’s Rectory and the original New Haven Savings Bank structures in both Madison and Old Saybrook. He built homes in Madison and the surrounding shoreline towns including most of the homes on Cherry Lane, Lawson Drive, Green Acres Drive and Society Drive to name a few. His honesty, expertise and work ethic were highly valued by many beachfront homeowners especially when he restored and renovated their hurricane damaged properties.

The early 1970s, Bill entered a new venture and became an owner-partner of The Madison Coffee Shop with longtime friend, Art Feskanin. Bill’s wit, charm and lifelong friendship with so many people provided a perfect match for the jovial banter and interactions that occurred daily in the popular gathering spot in the center of Madison. He remained an owner of the Madison Coffee Shop until he re-entered the building business as Telford Builders and, in 1985, built a new home for his family on a scenic Madison site. An accomplished woodworker, he created beautiful pieces of furniture for his family.

To mark their 50th anniversary in 2001, the couple renewed their marriage vows at a Mass celebrated by the Rev. Gerard Schmitz at St. Margaret Parish in Madison, where they have been communicants since their marriage.

A life member of Madison Hose Company No. 1, he served as its past president for many years and was a dedicated member for 53 years – since 1959.

Bill was a proud and involved member of the American Legion Post 79 for almost 60 years. He marched in the Memorial Day Parade each year and actively participated in services at the boulder, cemetery and waterfront.

For many years, Bill was also a Trustee of St. Margaret’s Parish and a member of the Madison Exchange Club.

In addition to his loving wife of 61 years, Jayne (Barrett) Telford, he is survived by his cherished children Mary Jane Telford of Allegany NY, Patricia Jones of Woodbury CT, Katherine Telford of Alexandria VA, William III and Sharon Telford of Madison CT and Thomas Telford of Seekonk MA; his treasured grandchildren Keith (Katty) Jones, Kevin Jones, Jacob Jones, Barrett Telford, Megan Telford, Colin Telford, Samuel Telford and Nicholas Telford and his adorable great granddaughters Kaya and Kyra Jones.

He is also survived by his dear sister-in-law Katherine M. Barrett, brother-in-law Jack (Monique) Rooney; sister-in-law Vonnie Telford and brother Robert (Judy) Telford as well as several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister Isabelle Rooney (1975), brother Francis Telford (2008),

and sister-in-law Marie Barrett (2001).

Friends may call on Thursday, June 21 at 4:00 – 8:00p.m. at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road in Madison. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 22 at noon at St. Margaret Parish, 24 Academy Street in Madison.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:

The American Legion Post 79, 43 Bradley Road, Madison CT 06443; Madison Hose Company No. 1, PO Box 573, Madison CT 06443; or CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford CT 06405. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.