William Ostrander

William Ostrander of Clinton, CT, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 24, 2025. He was 83 years old. He was born on November 4, 1941, in North Adams, Massachusetts, the son of William Ostrander and Ruth (Richards) Ostrander. He also had a stepfather, Karl Stauder.

Bill and his wife, Sheila (Donovan) Ostrander, attended K-12 school and were later sweethearts at North Adams State College. They were married for 56 years. His heart broke on May 25, 2020, the day she passed.

Bill was a lifelong learner. He dedicated 44 years to education, serving as both a science teacher and an Assistant Headmaster at Hamden Hall Country Day School in Hamden, CT, and later teaching at Daniel Hand High School in Madison, CT. His unique teaching style earned him the affectionate title of “Mr. O” among his students. Bill also volunteered as an EMT with the Clinton Fire Department for over 25 years, forming many lasting friendships.

Bill was an avid reader and enjoyed spending Sunday mornings with Sheila reading the New York Times and doing the crossword puzzle. He was a gourmet cook and enjoyed celebrating many family holidays together. The memories are endless. Bill and Sheila enjoyed taking long rides together and traveling throughout the Berkshires, where they grew up. Bill was also an avid sports fan, as he played semi-pro baseball after he graduated from college. He followed the Red Sox through thick and thin.

His children survive him: Steven Ostrander and his wife, Bounmy Phansiri of Westbrook, and his daughter, Lisa (Ostrander) Mansfield, and her husband, Chris Mansfield of Narragansett, RI. “Papa” had two grandchildren, Stephanie Mansfield of Charleston, SC, and Jake Mansfield of Washington, DC, who were his pride and joy. He and “Gramma” never missed an opportunity to see them play sports in Rhode Island; he was their biggest fan. “Papa” was also proud of their educational accomplishments, as they both received their master’s Degrees, with Stephanie becoming a special education teacher and Jake working in the intelligence field.

Bill was a kind and gentle man. He had a wonderful sense of humor and often made others laugh with his quick wit and ability to make others smile. Toward the end of his life, he was surrounded by other kind souls who supported him, cared for him, and gave him integrity.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marilyn Gattuso, his brother-in-law, Daniel Donovan, and his wife, Mary. Additionally, he is survived by several nieces and nephews.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the Clinton Fire Department.