William J. Sulkazi

6/26/1942 ~ 7/28/2020

William J. Sulkazi, 78, of Torrington, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.

William was born in Torrington on June 26, 1942, a son of the late Mary (Dobos) and William J. Sulkazi. He spent all his life in Torrington and was a graduate of St. Francis School and Oliver Wolcott Tech.

After working in the construction field, he was appointed to the Torrington Police Department June of 1966. After graduating from the police academy, he was appointed a regular member, serving 36 years.

He was an original member of the accident investigation team, where he served many years, attending numerous classes, seminars and training sessions. He was promoted to sergeant in February, 1979, serving until his retirement in 2004.

Some of his favorite pastimes were fishing, traveling and camping, especially on Cape Cod, Lake George, and in South Carolina, where he loved the beaches.

His most memorable time was Christmas season, and he portrayed Jolly Old St. Nick at Torrington Christmas Village, volunteering his time for 48 years, and also on the CT Christmas Train in Thomaston. Bill was also a member of CTSS.

Bill took pride in his family and was a loving husband and father, and found time to listen to his family, and was always willing to help anyone in need. He was an avid UConn women’s basketball fan and New England Patriots fan, and was known by many local farmers for his poultry processing, making many friends in the process.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Maureen Skutt Sulkazi; two children, Tina Hale and her fiance Tom, William Sulkazi; four grandchildren, Brandon, Kayla, Robert and Savannah and three great-grandchildren, Emma Leigh, Oliver and Theodore; and extended family Mark and Susan Zbell and their entire family.

He also leaves brothers Stephen of Texas and Peter of Torrington; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Michael S. Sulkazi, and by a brother, Robert Sulkazi.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Church, 107 E. Main St., Torrington. Burial followed at Hillside Cemetery. There were no calling hours due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Bill may be gone from our sight but never from our hearts; online memorials phalenfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s memory to: The CT Society of Santas, PO Box 541, Bethlehem, CT 06751.