William F. Mignault Sr.

Ledyard — William F. Mignault Sr., “Coach Bill,” 90, passed away surrounded by his loving family Oct. 1, 2019, after a courageous fight with cancer. He was born May 18, 1929, to Frank and Esther Mignault, and despite losing his parents before he was 3 years old, he became an incredible and loving husband, father, coach and friend who lived each day with pride, passion, respect and intensity.

Bill Mignault spent his lifetime as an educator, coach and mentor to Connecticut high school athletes, capping an extremely successful 50-year high school coaching career with his fourth CIAC State Football Championship win in December 2007. Mignault began his head-coaching career at Waterford High School in 1958. In 1963 he left Waterford to become the Physical Education Chairman, Athletic Director, and Head Football Coach of a new high school in Ledyard. He established the football program at Ledyard High School and coached there until his retirement in March 2008. During his successful coaching career, Bill earned 321 wins, including 10 ECC football championships and four state championships in 1986, 1991, 1993 and 2007. Mignault set the state record for coaching victories on Oct. 20, 2001, and held the title of winningest coach in Connecticut until 2014. In the 1985-86 school year, Ledyard received The Michaels Achievement Cup for the best high school athletic program in the state of Connecticut, a testament to Mignault’s commitment to high school sports. Mignault has been awarded many individual honors including being selected to the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1991 and for the prestigious Gold Key Award from the Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance in 2004-2005. In 2005, he was selected as the State and Region One Football Coach of the Year and in 2008 he was awarded UCONN’s distinguished Red O’Neill Award. Born in Killingly, Bill was a captain of four sports at Killingly High School.

He is a 1953 graduate of the University of Connecticut and has a master’s degree and a 6th year in educational administration. While at UCONN, Mignault played tailback and safety on the football team and was a center fielder on the baseball team. After graduation, Mignault served his country as an officer in the United States Air Force for two years. He was a Squadron Commander and Base Football Coach for the 317th Troop Carrier Wing in Neubiberg, Germany. He remained active in the USAF Reserves and retired with the rank of Major.

Marrying his high school sweetheart, Patricia Orlando, was the proudest moment of his life and the start of a wonderful journey. They were married for 66 years, and have two sons, William Mignault Jr. and partner Beverly, Brian K. Mignault Sr. and wife Nancy; a daughter Pamela O’Brien and husband Tom; five grandchildren, B.K. Mignault, Patrick Mignault, Marc Mignault, Kasey O’Brien and Kayla O’Brien; and four great-grandchildren.

Bill Mignault adored his family and enjoyed watching them pursue their passions for football, baseball, cheerleading, soccer and gymnastics and was always ready for a quick game of basketball, ping pong or cribbage. His competitive spirt and kind heart will be missed by many!

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at the Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich.

The family has established the Coach Bill Mignault Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor the legacy and tradition of excellence, as demonstrated by Coach Bill Mignault, and to award scholarships for higher education to deserving Connecticut high school athletes. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Coach Bill Mignault Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Kelton Financial Group, 11 Sunset Drive, Latham, NY, 12110.

Please visit www.churchandallen.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.