William Francis Luby Jr.

William Francis “Bill” Luby, Jr. passed away on February 20, 2026, in Estero, Florida, surrounded by his wife and daughters. Bill was born on September 24, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut, to William F. Luby, Sr. and Frances Mazur Luby. He grew up in Hartford until 1956, when his family moved to Wethersfield. He graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1960 and, on a leap of faith—without ever visiting, decided to attend Elon College in North Carolina, a decision that would shape the trajectory of his life.

Until the day he died, Bill loved telling stories about the wonderful times he had at Elon—especially about the Sigma Mu Sigma fraternity, of which he was a founding member. His love and support for Elon were never-ending and were only deepened by the pride he felt when his daughters followed in his footsteps and attended Elon as well.

After graduating from Elon, Bill worked at American Enka from 1964 to 1967, where he was mentored in applying engineering techniques to real-world situations. In 1967, Bill followed in his father’s footsteps and began working at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. Pratt & Whitney held a special place in Bill’s heart, as it was there that he met his beloved wife, Linda. Bill retired in 2008 after 41 years of dedicated service.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army as a drill sergeant and continued his service in the United States Army Reserve.

With a constant desire to learn, Bill attended the University of Hartford, where he earned his Master’s degree in Organizational Behavior.

Bill was a devoted husband to Linda Martocchio Luby for 55 years, sharing a marriage built on love, partnership, and a deep commitment to family.

Bill’s core values were rooted in honesty, loyalty, and trust—values that guided his life, shaped the way he treated others, and that he instilled in his daughters and grandchildren. Affable and gregarious with everyone he met, Bill could light up a room with his easy smile and quick wit. Yet within his family he was a quiet, steady force—someone they could always count on.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Dana Luby Neves and Erin Luby Melhuish, and by their husbands, Paul Neves and Geoffrey Melhuish, for whom he held immeasurable respect, pride, and love. Perhaps the greatest joy he knew was spending time with his five grandchildren. His legacy lives on in Jack Neves, William Neves, Katherine Neves, Brynn Melhuish, and Reid Melhuish. He never missed an opportunity to cheer them on at their hockey, softball, and lacrosse games. Beyond instilling the sanctity of family, he taught them how to fish and fix things, and the value of hard work and honoring your commitments.

Bill and Linda spent much of their time at their home in Estero, Florida, where Bill continued to enjoy golf and the warm weather. Yet no matter where life took him, Bill always returned to his family and his roots, spending more than 70 summers at White Sands Beach in Old Lyme.

Bill’s family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday morning (March 24, 2026) from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 noon in Christ the King Parish of Corpus Christi Church, 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family can think of no better place to honor Bill than Elon. Contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the EAB Internship Scholarship Fund at Elon University, Office of University Advancement, 2600 Campus Box, Elon, NC 27244. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com