M. William Slade Jr.

M. William Slade, Jr., of Southington, CT, formerly of Cheshire, CT, and Misquamicut, Rhode Island, went to his eternal life on December 2, 2023, rejoining his loving wife Judith Leonard Slade, who passed away in August of 2004. Graduates of the Torrington High School class of 1952, Bill and Judy were married on August 20, 1955, during the aftermath of the flood of 1955, a defining moment in the lives of Torrington’s residents and history.

Bill was born in Bristol, CT, on November 14, 1934, to Milton W. Slade and Marie N. Slade. He was predeceased by his younger brother, Richard, in 1987. Upon graduation from Providence College in 1957, Bill began his career in consumer finance with General Electric Credit Corporation, advancing to the position of Area Credit Manager responsible for consumer credit operations in Connecticut, western Massachusetts, and Vermont. During his career, Bill served as President of the Greater Hartford Consumer Credit Association, Savings Bank Credit Committee, and was an instructor for the American Institute of Banking. He retired from American Savings after 21 years as Vice-president and Manager of the Lending Department in 1994, celebrating thirty-seven years in the finance industry. Bill served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 13 years, attaining the rank of Captain. He volunteered at Westerly Hospital in Rhode Island and Bradley Memorial Hospital in Southington. He enjoyed golf and bowling and was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. In their time together, Bill and Judy loved to travel–some of their favorite trips included travel to Alaska, Ireland, and Aruba. Bill and Judy purchased their first summer home in Misquamicut, Rhode Island in 1981. Their dreams of having a place to share with family continued to grow with time and many seasons were spent with their children and grandchildren. Celebrating the beginning and end of the summer season with family at the beach were some of Bill and Judy’s most precious memories; hosting Memorial and Labor Day picnics soon became an annual tradition and continued until Bill sold the property in 2015.

Bill was the proud father of three daughters and three sons: Laurie Slade, Todd Slade (Nancy Brunetti), Lynn (Gary Beard), Karen Hekeler (Jon Kelley), Barry Slade, and Kevin Slade (Heidi Flynn). He was fondly known as “Helm '' by his 16 grandchildren, the joys of his life: Kate Bartelmo (Dwayne Samuels), Anne Bartelmo Burke (Bjorn Burke), Sara Bartelmo and H. Alexander Soriano; Reid Slade (Crystal Kolman), Whitney Slade Henst (Toby Henst), Kylie Slade; Eric Beard, Matthew Beard (Stephanie Urciuoli); Kenneth Hekeler (Kellie Wood); Laura Slade, Dylan Slade and Brandon Slade; Max Slade (Alayna DePaolo Slade), Connor Slade and Kirsten Slade. Helm felt blessed to welcome seven great-grandchildren, “his greats”: (Reid) Redding Slade, Jr. and Layne Slade; (Bjorn) Marley Burke; Dayton Beard, DJ (Dwayne) Samuels, Jr.; Stella and Summer Slade. As well as extended family members James M. Bartelmo, Stephanie Adams, Victoria (Vaughan) Slade, and grandchildren through marriage Karrie Brunetti and David Brunetti (Amanda) and their three children Levi, Avonlea, and Landon. He also leaves behind several nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Pyo, Dr. Uday Lele, the Oncology Department at Hartford Care, staff from Hartford Healthcare Hospice, Cedar Mountain Commons, Heaven’s Hands for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bill’s memory are made to Bread for Life, P.O. Box 925, Southington, CT 06489 or a charity of your choosing.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Friday, December 15th at 11 a.m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington. Burial with military honors will follow at Cheshire Hillside Cemetery, Cheshire. Calling hours will be prior to the service from 9:30 to 11 a.m. For online condolences and directions please visit, www.dellavecchiasouthington.com