Obituary of William H Canty

Mr. William H. Canty, age 93, of Danbury, died unexpectedly but peacefully in his home on Friday, December 22, 2017.  He was the husband of Helen Reilly Canty.

Mr. Canty was born June 22, 1924 in Norwalk to Thomas H. and Ethel Smith Canty. He was a graduate of Norwalk High School and Bates College.  Mr. Canty proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Air Forces as a radio operator during World War II. After the War and completing his college degree, he returned to Norwalk where he worked as a chemist at R.T. Vanderbilt Company until his retirement in 1986. He was a long-time resident of Norwalk, Wilton, and Danbury.

Known as “Hank” to his loved ones, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family will forever be grateful for his kind heart, generosity, sense of humor, youthful spirit, intelligence, and thoughtfulness. He was a man who always put his family first, delighted in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was the star of every dance floor he stepped foot on.

Alongside his beloved wife of 73 years, Hank created a home overflowing with warmth, love, and laughter. As in all aspects of his life, he was meticulous in keeping up with the details of the lives of his many children and grandchildren. He began countless traditions that are cherished and carried on by three generations of his family.

Hank will be lovingly remembered by his wife, “Sis,” and their children: Suzanne Hilson and her husband Raymond of Norwalk, Kathleen Lesh of Danbury, Deborah Gula and her husband Gary of New London, Timothy Canty of Southbury, and Mary Beth Canty of Danbury. Hank will also be missed by his nine adoring grandchildren, three great-grandsons, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Thomas Canty, and sisters Helen Canty Coates and Ethel Canty.

His family treasures a lifetime of memories with Hank, and will carry him in their hearts. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.