William Joseph Arango

William Joseph Arango, 73, passed away with his loving wife, by his side. He was born on October 15, 1950, to the late Manuel and Harriet Arango in Hartford, Connecticut and departed this earth on October 4, 2024. He is predeceased by his parents, Manuel and Harriett Arango, stepson, Ryan T. Lawson and beloved grandmother, Antonio Arango.

Those left to mourn his passing is his loving wife of 44 years, Carolyn Marie (Davis) Arango. Brothers, Manuel Joseph Arango (Jackie) Vernon, Connecticut; Reginald Arango (Minnie) Windsor, Connecticut; Franklin Arango, New Haven, Connecticut (Frances); sister, Gloria Arango, Middletown, Connecticut; his son, London Arango, Phoenix, Arizona and his daughter, Hope Nolan Arango, Tucson, Arizona and

several grandchildren by previous marriage. He is also survived by his brother-in-Laws; Larry Davis (Sandra), Patchogue, New York; Sinclair Wright Smith, St. Augustine, Florida; Grady Randall (Eleanor), Suffolk, Virginia; his sister-in-laws; Thomasina Davis, Chesapeake, Virginia; Sandra Davis (Larry), Patchogue, New York and Eleanor Davis (Grady), Suffolk, Virginia. Bill also leaves behind a host of aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

William went to St. Patrick’s catholic school in his younger years. During his years at Hartford High School, he excelled in football and basketball and developed a nickname "Bullet" for his exceptional speed. After graduating High School, William joined the United States Marines in 1967 and served as a Sergeant for 3 years and completed a 1-year tour in the Vietnam. William was an Installer for Gerber Scientific for 30+ years. He could not stay home after retirement. He did other jobs to occupy his time with Hertz Car Rental for 10 years and at Norfolk International Airport for 6 years.

Anyone who knew him, their face would instantly break into a smile. Obviously, as demonstrated by his long service to Gerber Garment Technology (GGT) Inc., he was conscientious and hard working

and a very loyal employee. In addition to that, he appreciated bringing something extra special to those in which he worked. A fantastic sense of humor. He was without a doubt one of the most amiable, likeable, and funny people you could find. He used his sense of humor as a tool to do this job better. Unfortunately, due to health problems Bill went out to recover and retired shortly after in January 2012.

In August of 1980, William was united in marriage to the love of his life Carolyn Marie Davis. William was full of energy and with an infectious personality and loved people. On this job with GGT he traveled the world meeting people that loved him and he loved them as well. Bill really enjoyed being around people even with his health problems. After retirement, Bill and Carolyn "Carol" decided to settle in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 1997. Bill had several hobbies: playing horseshoes with his friends, motorcycles, cars, basketball, football, and cooking. Bill made a point as soon as possible as you walked through his door he was going to feed you. Family was very important to him. He made it a point to stay in

touch with family and friends. He truly valued family and was willing to go out his way to preserve it. Family and friendship were the most important things in his world.

Special thanks to our niece, Letesha Smith-Strong who was there to check on him periodically throughout every week and accompany him in watching basketball and football what a beautiful soul.

Acknowledgement - The Arango Family wishes to express our sincere thanks for all expressions of love during this time of bereavement.

"I’M FREE"

Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free,

I’m following the path God laid for me

I took his hand when I heard him call,

I turned my back and left it all

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I’ve found that peace at the close of day

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,

Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch

If my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief

Lift up your heart, rejoice with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.