William “Bill” Edwards, a resident of West Simsbury for more than 55 years, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026, just two days shy of his 98th birthday.
Bill, affectionately known to his family as “Grampa Birdie” and “Cappy,” lived a long and rewarding life devoted to family, sports, education, history, and the outdoors.
Raised in Douglaston, Long Island, Bill was a gifted athlete who played football, hockey, and baseball at South Kent School. He later attended Rogers Hornsby’s Baseball School and spent two years playing minor league baseball with the Cairo Dodgers, an affiliate of the Brooklyn Dodgers. He also served in the United States Army before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Springfield College.
Bill became a history teacher and coach, most notably at South Kent School and other private schools throughout Connecticut. He later pursued his love of the outdoors through landscaping and founded Colonial Landscaping, where he provided many young people in the Simsbury community with their first jobs. He also treasured time spent with his family on Cape Cod, particularly in North Eastham, and remained an avid reader and history enthusiast throughout his life.
Above all, Bill was devoted to his family. He leaves his beloved wife of 65 years, Sally Edwards; his children, Carolyn and Jim Davis, Steven Edwards, Katherine and Mike Winkler, Deborah and Tim Cramer, and Kristen Edwards; and his grandchildren, Alison and Kiley Davis, Nathan and Gordon Winkler, Evan, Sarah, and Liam Cramer, and Katelyn and Kallie Ingham. He was predeceased by his sisters, Margaret Klaussmann and Joan Freemantle.
Bill will be remembered for his work ethic, love of family, athleticism, humor, curiosity, and the many stories and lessons he shared throughout his nearly 98 years.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Simsbury Farms Apple Barn, 60 Old Farms Road, Simsbury. Family and friends are invited to stop by and, in true Bill fashion, share a story.
