William (Biff) Henry Dwan, III

William (Biff) Dwan III passed away on June 14, 2023 on his 76th birthday at Norfolk Heart Hospital in Norfolk, VA. Born June 14, 1947 in Torrington, CT, he was the son of the late William Dwan Jr. and Elizabeth (Whelan) Dwan. He attended Cranwell Prep School in Lenox MA. He attended the University of Notre Dame, Assumption University and Sacred Heart. He was Vice President at the family business, Dwan & Co. for 22 years. At age 47, he found his true calling and made a career change, becoming a teacher. He taught fourth grade for 28 years in Thomaston, CT at the same time working at The Glenholme School in Washington, CT for 17 years before retiring in 2021. Students and parents loved “Mr. Dwan”. He made learning fun and was known for his very corny jokes. He was team leader for many years. He mentored student teachers and according to fellow teachers, was the heart of the building, so dedicated and always the first to arrive in the morning and many times, the last to leave. He was generous in helping others and never hesitated to try new strategies if it would help the kids.
Bill loved sports. He was a NY Yankee fan but really enjoyed college sports. He followed Notre Dame football as well as the Connecticut Huskies basketball. He ran in 10 of the Litchfield Road Races, played racquetball and over 30 basketball well into his 40’s. He coached Little League, youth basketball and was a cub scout leader. He loved going for walks, golfing, working in his garden and was an avid reader.
Bill had a gentle soul. He was humble, quiet and reflective, and so very patient. He loved life. He loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. He was a wonderful friend to so many. He retired to VA two years ago with his wife Louise, to enjoy retirement in a warmer climate and do some travelling.
Bill leaves behind his wife Louise of 42 years, son Kevin and his wife Taryn, and their children, his adoring granddaughters Ashlyn, Teagan and Evelyn, daughter Kathryn of MA; his sisters Margaret Dwan and partner Robert Bombardieri, Patricia D’Andrea and husband Salvatore, and Mary Sweeney and her husband David; brother John Dwan; his nieces Shelby Rondeau and husband Jon, Rachel Thomas and husband Matthew, Hannah Richard and husband Chad, nephews Benjamin Sweeney and wife Melissa, and nephew Nicholas Sweeney and wife Karena. He also leaves behind five great nieces and nephew; Claire and Madelyn Sweeney, Brooklyn Sweeney, Etta Thomas and Felicien Richard. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother George.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Joan of Arc’s Church, 315 Harris Grove Lane, Yorktown, VA on Saturday, June 24 at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the clubhouse in Nelson’s Grant. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held later in the summer in CT where he spent most of his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity in Bill’s name