It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of William C. “Bill” Kimbell, 89, of Naples, FL on October 10, 2016 at Norwalk Hospital, surrounded by family.
Born in Long Beach, NY on June 4, 1927, the son of the late William Kimbell and Frances Jedd Kimbell, Mr. Kimbell grew up in Stamford, CT. He married his beloved wife, Judith Nagot of New Canaan in 1960. They began their life together in Norwalk, later moving to Fairfield, CT where they lived until her death in 2007. An avid golfer, Mr. Kimbell resided in his dream home in Florida overlooking a beautiful golf course.
A true patriot, he joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and fought in both WWII and Korea. He graduated from the Yale & Towne Apprentice Training School in Stamford on April 14, 1949, as a Tool & Die Maker.
Mr. Kimbell founded Kimchuk, Inc. in 1964. Originally located in Stamford, CT Kimchuk is currently located in Danbury. He was still an active owner and CEO of the business he loved and to which he devoted his life.
He spent his life striving for the best, whether creating a successful, long-lasting business in Kimchuk, working in his yard, traveling, or supporting his family. He cherished his children and adored his grandchildren.
He was soft-spoken and always a gentleman. Those lucky enough to be in earshot appreciated his dry wit and funny observations. He was a sports fan who would always be happy to watch a game, participate in a spirited conversation, and share in a good bottle of wine, a glass of Macallan, and on occasion his infamous Stinger.
Never one to sit idle, Mr. Kimbell was in Newport with his family in September enjoying a fun-filled weekend.
He is survived by his daughters, Karen LeBrun and her husband Robert of Norwalk, CT; Heidi-Jo Bayuk of Cobleskill, NY; Charlene Shandrowski and her husband Robert of Ansonia, CT; Kimberly Vasquez of Greenwich, CT; and Destiny Rodriguez of South Dakota; grandchildren, Stephanie, Robbie, Samantha, Danika, Elisha, and Benito; great-granddaughter, Ava; brother Leon Kimbell of California; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Kimbell was predeceased by his wife Judith N. Kimbell, brother Leroy Kimbell, and sister Marie Hoegemann.
His sudden and unexpected passing was felt deeply by all who knew him. We would like to take this opportunity to stand at attention, offer a salute, and bid farewell to our Dad, Poppy, Grandpa, Uncle, and dear friend, Bill Kimbell. You are our patriarch, our guide, our rock, our mentor, our inspiration, and our motivation. You sir, are good people. Rest in Peace.
Calling hours will be on Friday, October 28, 2016 from 4:00PM-8:00PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. 06851. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 11:00AM at St. Jerome Church, 23 Half Mile Road, Norwalk, CT. 06851.
Donations in his memory may be made to: Fisher House Foundation, 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850. Or, Guide Dog Foundation for The Blind, 371 East Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787.