William J. Wellman

William John Wellman (Bill) of New Milford, CT passed away peacefully on February 26, 2016 surrounded by his family at Danbury Hospital. He was the loving husband of Margaret Lynda (Watt) Wellman for 49 years. Bill was born in Yonkers, NY on January 2, 1943, and raised in Hastings-on-Hudson and Tarrytown, NY, the elder son of the late Doris Lillian (Heathman) Wellman and Dr. Richard Harrison Wellman. His proudest accomplishments were his four children, Lori Ellis (Terry), Jim Wellman, Jen Wellman (Eric Erkenbrack), and Sarah Wellman, to whom he was devoted. In addition, he leaves behind three beloved grandchildren, Clark and Jack Ellis of New Milford, and Ellie Erkenbrack of Woodbridge. He is also survived by his much loved brother James Wellman (Kathleen) of Carlsbad CA, sister-in-law Lorraine Poce (Paul) of Mississauga, ON, Canada, nephews John, Tom and James Wellman, all of California, and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Bill was a graduate of the Hackley School in Tarrytown, NY, Cornell University and Cornell Law School in Ithaca, NY. An ROTC graduate, he was called to active duty with the United States Army following his law school graduation. A decorated veteran, Bill served the country he loved at Fort Sill, OK, Fort Bragg, NC, and in Vietnam. He began his legal career in Watkins Glen, NY and subsequently joined the Sellers, Conner and Cuneo law firm in Washington, DC where he concentrated on government contract litigation and environmental law work for several trade associations.

In order to spend more time with his growing family, Bill later accepted an offer to become Assistant General Counsel for one of the DC firm’s clients, Amchem Products in Pennsylvania. Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) acquired a division of Amchem and Bill joined UCC as an in-house counsel, where he honed his expertise in commercial transactions, anti-trust, export controls, and federal health, safety, and environmental regulations. He had extensive experience before the FTC and EPA. He was admitted to practice in Connecticut, New York, the District of Columbia and various federal courts, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court. After UCC was purchased by Dow, Bill opened a general practice law firm in New Milford and Danbury, where he frequently took on pro bono clients. He also, with two other Carbide retirees, established Transport Law Research, Inc. and co-wrote several manuals related to Hazmat Shipping that were published by Chilton. He served on the Uniform Commercial Code Committee of the American Bar Association, as well as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association.

Bill was our family rock. He believed in honor, duty, service, and that you are your brother’s keeper. As an advocate for all children in the community, Bill served several terms, beginning in the 1980’s, on the New Milford Board of Education, and also coached soccer and taught Sunday School. In addition to the treasured time he spent with his family and friends, he loved a good political debate and exceled at negotiations. Bill was a forthright individual with an extraordinary talent for focusing on the essentials. A faithful follower of the UCONN Women’s basketball team, his other favorite pastimes included listening to music, watching football and John Wayne movies, solving Sudoku and crossword puzzles, playing chess, reading science fiction, and grilling a perfect steak outdoors.

Known for his keen insight, precise use of language, and conservative fiscal views, Bill will be greatly missed by the family he cherished and remembered with fondness by his many friends.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Davita Dialysis teams in Waterbury and Newtown, in particular his renal nurse Carol Ritchie and Dr. Raymond Raut, for their tremendous support in recent years. Additionally, the family has a deep appreciation for the New Milford and Danbury Ambulance teams and Emergency Departments, and especially for the wonderful medical staff led by Dr. Abhijith Hegde at the Critical Care Unit at Danbury Hospital for their incredibly kind and compassionate care during Bill’s final days.