Obituary of William P. McNish

William P. McNish, 80, of Ansonia died on February 3, 2023 after a long illness.  He was the devoted husband of Carole Dobrowski McNish for 59 years…and she was the love of his life. Bill, the son of the late William P. McNish and Catherine Powe McNish, was born in Ansonia on Oct 6, 1942, his father’s birthday.  He was a lifelong resident of Ansonia and an avid fan of baseball.  Some of his fondest childhood memories were of playing sandlot ball with neighborhood friends at Pine lot.  He was a catcher on the varsity baseball team and graduated from Ansonia High School – Class of 1960.  He attended the University of New Haven – School of Management and Development in 1972.

Bill began his career in sales in 1961 at Anaconda American Brass Co. and retired from Ansonia Copper & Brass after 43 years.  While the name and ownership may have changed over the years, Bill’s commitment to his colleagues and service to his customers never wavered.  He also helped his dad prepare tax returns for McNish Income Tax Service. As a young man, he attained the rank of E-5 in the US Army.  Bill was very proud of his service to his country and passed on that pride through Scouts.  He became involved in Cub Scouts when his children were of age and later became Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 34. He was also a communicant of St. Joseph Church in Ansonia and a member of the Shelton Senior Center. 

Besides his wife, he leaves his sons, William and Kenneth, daughter-in-law Rosemary and grandchildren Catherine and Tristan.  He was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Kimberly, sister-in-law Marcia, and his sister and brother-in-law Katherine E. and William Pratt.  He is survived by their children, William, Ellen, Jody, Lori, Brian and Kevin, his brother-in-law, Steve Dobrowski and nephew Steven.  Bill leaves too many dear friends and family members to name, some still here and some already gone.  He cherished his time with them.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM in St. Joseph Church, 32 Jewett Street, Ansonia, on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM.  Interment with Military Honors will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Derby.  Family and friends may call at the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia, on Wednesday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, prior to Mass.  Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.