William J. Laden

Bill was born in Norwich on June 15, 1930 the son of James and Anna (Hagerty) Laden. He attended St. Paul’s School in Norwich.

Bill was not afraid of work. He first worked for the DL&W Railroad as a fireman followed by his employment with Cossitt Motor Express. He was the founder of Laden Fire Equipment followed by Laden Welding Supply and in later years Laden Produce. For a number of years Bill would become a “snow bird” to Florida. While there he would cook for and feed the homeless in his area which he was well known for.

Bill was a former Fire Chief of the South New Berlin Fire Dept. (1969 – 1971). He was a member of the former Moose Lodge of Norwich, Norwich Elk’s Lodge #1222 and Oxford American Legion.

Bill was predeceased by his wives Nancy Laden, Ada Laden and Margaret “Peg” Laden, his son Richard Laden, daughter Jeannette Murphy and brother James Laden Jr. He is survived by his children Joanne Prosser (Richard Cummings), Frank Laden, William Laden, Patricia Laden and Sherri Mudge (Dale) all of Norwich, his grandchildren Tanya Laden-Turner (Mike Gray), Renay Barrows, Jaime Reeves (Jason), Michael Stephens (Kristy Taylor), Geno Murphy, Ashley Mudge (Jason Grover), Lee Anne Laden and her mother Melissa Mandeville, Hannah Laden along with many great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his longtime companion and caregiver, Dorothy Bice. Also surviving is his brother John Laden of Hillsdale, Mich. and sister Jean Laden Renner (Gary) of Charlotte, NC and sister-in-law Mary Laden of Oneonta.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Bill will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 10am from St. Bartholomew’s Roman Catholic Church. The Rev. Ralph A. Bove, Pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home on Friday June 17 from 5-7 pm.