Waterford - William “Bill” DelPriore, 88, of Lamphere Road, Waterford, entered eternal life on Feb. 20, 2009, in the comfort of his home.

He was born Jan. 15, 1921, in Waterford. He was the son of the late Frank and Rosemary (Pennella) DelPriore. Bill lived in his childhood home in Jordan Cove all his life where he enjoyed fishing and catching blue shell crabs. He was a graduate of the former Chapman Technical High School class of 1939, and was a Army veteran of World War II. He served as an automotive technician and driver with the 12th Armored Division from 1942 to 1945. He received two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, E.A.M.E. Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, World War II Victory Ribbon and was honorably discharged at the rank of corporal.

He met his future wife, the former Vera Giulietti, at the firehouse, they were united in marriage on Oct. 21, 1961, in St. Joseph Church, Mrs. DelPriore survives him. He worked with Andrew Rovetti, learning his trade as a plumber. He later owned and operated the DelPriore Plumbing & Heating. He was a member of the winning Magnum Pistol Team, traveling throughout Connecticut where he won numerous trophies for his expert marksmanship in tournaments. Bill was a lifelong member of the Goshen Fire Department, driving the engine truck to cover fires and also for the “Children Ride's” during their Fireman's Day Fairs. He was a 65-year member of the Goshen Fireman's Pinochle League.

Besides his beloved wife of 47 years he is survived by nieces, Mary Covino Baetsen Rabe, Anne Rogers Covino and numerous grandnieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law, Andonetta and Salvatore Covino; brother and sister-in-law Charles and Kathleen DelPriore; and a nephew, Alfred Covino.

His family and friends will always remember Bill as quiet unassuming and efficiently going about his task. He enjoyed smoking his pipe and driving his favorite red truck to and from work. He was always ready to help a friend in need.

His family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. The funeral will assemble at 9 a.m. on Tuesday at and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church. Interment in St. Mary Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donation to Hospice of S.E. CT, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360; or The Goshen Fire Department, 63 Goshen Road, Waterford, CT 06385.

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