William Charles (“Bill”) Lynehan, 95, a lifelong resident of East Haven and Branford, died peacefully on Jan. 28. He was the husband of 49 years to the late Anita (Young) Lynehan, who predeceased him in 1986.  He was born in New Haven on Nov. 16, 1915, son of the late Myrtle (Fowler) Lynehan and Charles Lynehan. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Bill had been stationed in Italy, where he served as a cook with the 88th Infantry Division until his honorable discharge.

As a child, Bill enjoyed ice skating on Pyro’s Pond near his home in East Haven. He continued his love of skating until he was in his mid-80s, enjoying the company of his skating buddies at the East Haven Rink. He also enjoyed “pick up” hockey games on Young’s Pond, where he was Warden for several years until he retired at age 94.

During his lifetime, Bill worked for the F.D. Graves Cigar Company, Marlin Firearms, Sealtest Dairy, where he made ice cream, and Hockings Nursery, where he was a landscaper. Bill always enjoyed the outdoors and loved experiencing the quiet wonders of nature. He was a gifted listener, and many felt blessed to call him “friend.” In later years, Bill enjoyed summer afternoon visits with friends at Branford Point.

He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Linda Chamberlain Lynehan of Newburyport, Massachusetts; his three grandchildren, Kimberly Lynehan Wieck and her spouse Jim of Canterbury, New Hampshire, Steven Lynehan of Newburyport, Massachusetts, and Susan Lynehan and her spouse Laura Waszak of Fremont, New Hampshire; and his six great-grandchildren, Karl and Katherine Wieck, Elizabeth, Katherine, and Elijah Lynehan, and Olivia Waszak. In 1987, he was predeceased by his son, The Reverend Charles W. Lynehan, formerly of Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 18, at 2 p.m., at Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven, preceded by an hour of visitation, starting at 1 p.m.  Burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven, following the service. The family requests that flowers be omitted. Instead they suggest planting something in one’s own garden in memory of Bill. Donations may be made to the Branford Land Trust, PO Box 254, Branford, CT 06405.