Vincent Danilowicz Jr.

Preston — Vincent W. “Bill” Danilowicz Jr., 73, beloved husband of Susanne (Affek) Danilowicz of Preston, died Friday, April 16, 2021, after an intense and courageous battle with cancer.

Bill was born Aug. 12, 1947, in Norwich and was the treasured son of Vincent W. Danilowicz Sr. and Marie Alice Archambeault, both of whom predeceased him.

Bill graduated from the Norwich Free Academy in 1965 and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1970. Shortly after his discharge, Bill met Sue, the cherished love of his life and soul mate. The couple were wed Aug. 21, 1971, at SS Peter and Paul Church in Norwich, and were inseparable for nearly 50 years of marriage.

After earning a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State College (now CCSU) in 1975, Bill returned to NFA, his alma mater, to teach in the Industrial Arts Department (now Technology Education Department). During his tenure at NFA, Bill earned his master’s degree from CCSU and taught a wide range of courses, including power mechanics, graphics, metalworking, woodworking, electronics and drafting. He was an ardent proponent of the inclusion of technologically enhanced industrial arts courses in a well-rounded comprehensive secondary education. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, Bill held a parttime position at Connecticut College in New London, where he repaired and maintained science laboratory equipment and proudly assisted in the construction of prototypes for science experiments.

Bill also used his extensive repertoire of skills to build and maintain his home in Preston. The stone walls lining his property, affectionately dubbed the “Great Walls of Preston,” are a product of over 20 years of labor and serve as a fitting tribute to his perseverance and unparalleled work ethic. Throughout his lifetime, Bill personified many wonderful traits, including honesty, humility, kindness, loyalty and a ready willingness to help others. He preferred to live life without conflict whenever possible. Bill enjoyed the simple things in life: working on home improvement projects, helping his wife maintain several perennial beds, taking daytrips and watching his favorite TV shows and PBS series with Sue. In his younger days, he was an avid water skier and from his teen years on, an ardent Corvette enthusiast.

In addition to his spouse, Bill is survived by his treasured sister, Jean Armstrong of North Stonington, and several nieces and nephews with whom he enjoyed many memorable times.

The Labenski Funeral Home in Norwich is in charge of funeral arrangements.