Chester Adams Willard

Chester Adams Willard, 93, of Wethersfield, beloved husband of Betty (Smith) Willard, died peacefully at Maple View Manor on Sunday May 15, 2016. Born in Hartford on April 30, 1923, he was the son of the late John Chester Willard and Helen Russell (Adams) Willard. Chester was a proud U.S. Navy veteran of WW II and a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was a lifelong Wethersfield resident and a graduate of the University of Connecticut. Chester was a member of the Wethersfield Men’s Garden Club and longtime member of First Church of Christ, Wethersfield. Besides his wife Betty, Chester is survived by his four children; sons, John and his wife Patty of Enfield, Roger and his wife Sue of Wethersfield and David Willard of Middletown and his daughter, Marji Willard of South Carolina. Chester is also survived by his sister, Alice Bond of Maine and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Morgan Griffin and her husband Adam and their children, Caitlyn and Ryan of Colchester, and Valerie Willard and Brian Myer and their children, Trevor and Marissa of Wethersfield; four stepchildren and their families, as well as many nieces and nephews. Chester was predeceased by his first wife, Carolyn (Mack) Willard and his brother, Charles Willard. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Maple View Manor, especially Judy and Sandra.

Funeral Services will be Thursday (May 19) at 11 a.m. at First Church of Christ, Wethersfield with Pastor Tom Walsh officiating. Burial will be private and there are no calling hours. Donations in Chester’s memory may be made to First Church of Christ, 250 Main St., Wethersfield, CT 06109. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield is in charge of funeral arrangements. To share a memory of Chester with his family, please visit www.desopo.com.