- Date Of Birth: January 27, 1936
- Date Of Death: December 12, 2020
- State: Florida
William D. Brew (aka Bill, Billy, Will, Papa Will, BB1, Bobby) formerly of Wethersfield, CT passed away on December 12, 2020 at age 84. Bill is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 41 years, Sue. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law Deborah Dunlap (Jim Look) her daughters Lisa, Adrienne, Susanne and their families; his brothers-in-law Skip Stethers his son John and daughters Charlene Trisha and Sarah; Joe (Liz) and daughter Brianne and her family and several nieces and nephews. Bill had many friends who mourn him including Pat Kask of CT, Stacy MacDonald Grecula and her children Brody, Reese, Reagan and Treyton; Mark Fries of CT and Dominic Contessa of CT; Seth (Henry) and Melissa Popper of FL. Bill was predeceased by his parents Charles Howard Brew and Anna Claire Cleary Brew, his two brothers; a sister-in-law and a brother-in-law.
Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served from 1958-1959. He graduated from Bridgeport University (BS) and Southern Connecticut State University (MS).
While in high school Bill was an exceptional three sport athlete earning him a full scholarship to the University of Bridgeport. He was a member of the ’51-’52 State Finalist Basketball team, and he received All State Basketball Honorable Mention. He was the MVP and leading scorer in soccer in CT 1953 and was the finalist in the CT State High School Golf Championship. Bill was inducted into the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. This was the beginning of his lifetime achievements, his honors, awards, and Hall of Fame inductions.
At Bridgeport University Bill was selected as an All-New England Soccer Player, and the team received All-American Soccer Team Honorable Mention. Playing in the first NCAA Soccer Championship in 1959, the team was runner-up. The soccer team once more played in the NCAA Soccer Championship in 1961 and placed third in the nation; Bill was named MVP of the 1961 game. While playing golf he was the New England Inter-Collegiate Golf Champion and the Metropolitan Inter-Collegiate Golf Champion.
One of Bill’s lifetime passions was coaching, mentoring, and developing young student athletes, emphasizing the importance of personal development, team play, and respect for one another. At Quinnipiac College he was the Assistant Athletic Director, soccer and golf coach from 1965-1974. Many of his players were the beneficiaries of his competitive spirit and drive both in soccer and golf. As golf coach he guided seven players to All-New England honors and an undefeated season of 9-0 in 1974. The team ranked 6th in the ECAC in 1971.
Bill built the soccer team into a nationally ranked program. His coaching earned him honors as the Small College Soccer Coach of the year in New England. In ten soccer seasons he had five tournament teams, was ranked fourth nationally in 1965, and was undefeated in 1966. He later served as the President of the New England Soccer Coaches Association.
Bill’s teams were victorious as the New England Soccer Champions in 1965 and 1967. He developed 21 All-New England players and an All-American. Bill was inducted into the Quinnipiac University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1985. His 1965 soccer team was inducted into the Quinnipiac University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.
During 1967-1970 Bill was the Chairman of the All-American Committee in the NAIA. He was a National Rating Board member for the National Soccer Coaches Association and was Chairman of the Ethics Committee, which developed the yellow/red card system for players and coaches using unethical behavior during soccer matches.
Bill enjoyed an illustrious amateur golf career playing locally, nationally and internationally. Validating his exceptional skill throughout his playing days in 1985 he had a handicap of +1. While a member of Wethersfield Country Club Bill won the Club Championship three times. He scored a double eagle and had five holes-in-one during his golf career. He qualified in the sectional round of the US Open championship in 1963, 1969 and 1970. In 1969 and 1970 he played in the qualifying round for the National Amateur Championship at Oakhill Country Club and in 1969 where he scored a hole-in-one. Bill was the Connecticut State Amateur Champion in 1971. He often teamed with fellow Wethersfield member Fred Kask and “they were arguably the finest two-man team in Connecticut’s rich golf history.” Bill and Fred were the medalists in 1971 with a 65 at the Anderson Memorial Tournament at Winged Foot. Bill was the finalist in 1966 in the Royal Canadian Amateur Golf Championship at Summerlea Golf and Country Club and in 1973 he played in the Royal and Ancient Golf Club British Amateur Championship at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in South Wales. He was a member of the prestigious Society of Seniors in his later years. As said by Bobby Jones, golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots, but you have to play the ball where it lies.
After Bill retired as a Major Accounts Executive from Canon USA and Sue retired as a professor from Eastern Connecticut State University, they moved to Dunnellon FL.
