William Henry Leporati

Dr. William Henry Leporati, 86, of Norwich, Connecticut, died on November 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Framingham, Massachusetts, in 1939 to Renato and Eleanor (Maschi) Leporati. Bill attended Boston College continuing on and earning his Doctorate of Optometry from the New England College of Optometry in 1961. Bill served as an optometrist with the United States Air Force before his honorable discharge as a Captain in 1965.

Bill’s successful practice of optometry served the Greater Milford and Framingham areas for many years before his retirement. He especially enjoyed volunteering with The Lions Club Eye Mobile for several decades. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, obtaining the 4th Degree.

As an avid outdoor enthusiast, Bill enjoyed working with trees, plants, and masonry. He especially enjoyed his time spent on the lake, finding it one of his most peaceful activities during the day.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; both his sons, Paul Patrick Leporati and Joseph William Leporati; and his sister Virginia Leporati.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Sheila (O’Callaghan) Leporati; his daughter, Maria Dufour, and her husband, David Dufour; his grandchildren, Brandon Dufour, Kevin Dufour and his wife, Arielle Dufour, Nickolas Leporati, Alex Leporati, and Anneka Leporati; and his sister, Lucille Ciceroni, and her husband, Raymond. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Norwich, CT, on December 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM, followed by a Christian burial at Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich, CT,

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Place of Norwich, CT (www.svdpp.org), or to a charity of your choice.