Fish, William W.

Westbrook- William W. Fish died on February 18, 2024, at The Connecticut Hospice overlooking his beloved Long Island Sound. He was born on November 12, 1944, in Brunswick, ME. The son of Caroline and Chauncey Fish, Bill grew up with his sister Mardrey in Fairfield, CT, and Syosset, NY. He attended Bowdoin College and graduated in 1966 with a degree in Biology and Psychology. In his senior year, he met his future wife, Carolyn Davis, through an early version of computer dating called Operation Match. Carolyn and Bill married on September 26, 1970, and enjoyed 53 years of life together. Bill served honorably in the United States Navy from 1966 until 1969, completing two active duty tours aboard the destroyer USS Everett Larsen during the Vietnam War. He served as the ship's navigator, gunnery officer, and drone helicopter controller. When he returned home he remained in the Reserves, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant. Following his military service, Bill earned an MBA in Finance from the University at Albany. He then embarked on a distinguished career, initially specializing in municipal bond research with Bankers Trust Co., Donaldson, Lufkin, & Jenrette, and ABN Amro. During his 19-year tenure at DLJ, he led the research group for 10 years and was voted top analyst by Institutional Investor from 1990-94. Bill spent 15 years with American International Group, serving as head of municipal investments and then Chief Investment Officer. From 2012 to 2016 he served as a member of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. Following his retirement, Bill volunteered to spearhead the LED Streetlight Conversion Project for his hometown of Westbrook, CT. His efforts saved the town a considerable sum of money, but just as importantly to Bill, continue to decrease energy use. Additionally, he volunteered for many other organizations throughout his life, including Boy Scouts of America, Rowayton Civic Association, the United Church of Rowayton, and the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. Bill's family and his faith were the cornerstones of his life. He was a member of both the United Church of Rowayton and the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Fish, his children Amy and David Fish, daughter-in-law Elizabeth Feeherry, son-in-law Edward Lott, and his cherished grandchildren, Sarah Lott, Abigail Lott, Caroline Fish, and William Fish. Bill treasured his relationships with extended family. He enjoyed spending time with them at Old Kelsey Point in Westbrook, CT, and at family reunions in Freeport, ME. In his leisure time, Bill found joy in sailing and swimming in Long Island Sound, completing do-it-yourself projects around the house, photographing nature, and traveling with family. Bill was known as a life-long learner who delighted in learning new things and sharing his knowledge with family and friends. Bill was diagnosed with ALS in 2020 and was fortunate to have the VA CT Interdisciplinary ALS Clinic oversee his medical needs. He received excellent care throughout, first at home from his wife Carolyn and then by the amazing staff at The Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT. He was known by all who cared for him during this time as someone not defined by his illness, but as someone who remained positive and grateful. Bill was particularly thankful for, and was sustained by, the many conversations he had with family, friends, and caregivers. A memorial service will be held at noon on April 20, 2024, at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, CT. A lunch reception will be held at the church following the service. Burial will be private. At Bill's request, memorial donations may be made to The Connecticut Hospice of Branford, CT, or The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, CT. To sign the online guest book visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com.