William Cekala

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend and God’s servant, William “Bill” Cekala, age 69 of Orlando, FL., after a lengthy illness and a heroic struggle.

Bill was a native of New London, CT, born to the late William Cekala and Virginia (Spinnato) Cekala. He attended local schools and was a graduate of New London High School Class of 1974 and Thames Valley Technical College. He married his high school sweetheart Sharon (Busca) Cekala, who survives him. Before settling in Orlando in 1991, Bill and Sharon also lived in Piscataway, NJ, and Olathe, KS where Bill was ultimately self-employed in the electronics field after working for several Electronics and Controls companies including Honeywell. Sharon continued her career with AT&T in info technology.

Bill never sought the spotlight, rather he was at his best when in quiet service to others, be it his family, his church or his and Sharon’s special vocation over the years at JMJ Pregnancy Center and the Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Central Florida. He could easily change gears from independent work to serving on boards when needed, as he did at JMJ, in order to get the job done. He was passionate about the rights of the unborn and worked selflessly to protect them.

Bill’s hidden talent was his skill as a quasi-inventor and tinkerer, occasionally finding solutions where no apparent problem existed, just a tweak or enhancement to make more sense. He was always looking to improve the operation of any device or small machine. He is most proud of his 40 year old garage refrigerator he saved multiple times. Bill was a man who would rather do things for himself, to ensure they were done right, and you always followed the “safety first” rule! He had an artistic eye, creating multiple pieces of art and decor in his home. Bill used his God-given artistic talents and inspiration to create numerous crucifixes which now adorn sacred spaces in Orlando and Georgia. He and Sharon enjoyed multiple trips to Jamaica where they befriended locals and helped support a local church. Before the onset of his health issues, he was an avid motorcyclist and was especially fond of his Ducati racing bike, which he tweaked and modified of course. His own health challenges moved Bill to volunteer with Mended Hearts, a cardiovascular support group for patients and caregivers. He served many years as a hospital volunteer visiting patients and sharing his own experiences with them.

Bill is survived by Sharon, his wife of 48 years, and his sister Rosemary (Don) Lewis of Charleston, SC, nieces Adrienne Tierney of Niantic, CT, Alissa Ferguson of Charleston, SC, nephew Christopher Smolenski of Poquoson, VA and niece Aileen Cristaldi of Charleston SC. He is also survived by brother-in-law David Smolenski of New London, CT husband of the late Lauren (Busca) Smolenski, and numerous cousins.

Bill is also survived by a vast network of childhood friends, school friends, work friends and church friends too numerous to list, who loved Bill for who he was. We are grateful for your love, friendship and support, and know that Bill loved you all like family.

Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to JMJ Pregnancy Center in Orlando.

Baldwin-Fairchild Oviedo Funeral home, 501 E Mitchell Hammock Rd, Oviedo FL is coordinating services. Visitation will be Friday July 18 from 3-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, July 19 at 11am at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 113 Lockwood Blvd, Oviedo FL. Burial will be in Queen of Angels Catholic Cemetery, Winter Park, FL.

For family and friends in the New London area, there will be a Celebration of Life for Bill at Tony D’s Restaurant in New London, date and time to be announced.

In honor of Bill, do a random act of kindness for a stranger. You’ll feel good, and the reaction might be priceless.