NEW CANAAN, Conn. William "Bill" Varson Pickering, a New Canaan native and retired owner of a plumbing business in New Canaan, died April 24 in Ormond Beach, Fla. He was 83.
A former town resident, Pickering was also a 50-year member of the New Canaan Volunteer Fire Department No. 1, where he was a volunteer firefighter and served as assistant chief.
He was born June 26, 1928, in New Canaan to James Nolan and Sarah Evans Pickering. He lived in New Canaan for 70 years before moving to Ormond Beach. Growing up in New Canaan, he attended Little Red School House on Carter Street. Pickering then attended trade school and began his career as a plumber.
A U.S. Navy veteran, he served on the USS Des Moines between World War II and the Korean War. Until his retirement in 1998, he was owner and operator of William V. Pickering Plumbing and Heating of New Canaan.
Pickering was a member of the Exchange Club in New Canaan and coached New Canaan Little League. He also served as a scoutmaster for Troop 45 at St. Aloysius Church.
After retiring, Pickering moved to Ormond Beach to enjoy fishing, crabbing and stamp and antique collecting. He continued his love for cooking with many volunteer clambakes and the annual Pickering family reunion in Arlington, Vt.
He attended St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Daytona Beach, Fla., and was a volunteer with the Volusia County Democratic Executive Committee, the Northeast Volusia County Democratic Club and the Volusia County Women's Democratic Club.
He was predeceased by a son, Edward Nolan Pickering; a grandson, Andrew William Teibel; and four brothers, James, John, Harry and Frederick Pickering.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan Elizabeth Re Pickering; a son, William "Chip" V. Pickering Jr. and wife Ruth Ann of Raleigh, N.C.; a daughter, Pam Pickering Teibel and husband Howard of Ashland, Mass.; and six grandchildren.
A memorial service will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. May 12 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Daytona Beach. A burial service will be held in New Canaan at a later date. Arrangements are by Dale Woodward Funeral Homes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Andrew William Teibel Dollars for Scholars Scholarship, 19 Fatima Drive, Ashland, MA 01721; New Canaan Volunteer Fire Dept. No. 1, 60 Main St., New Canaan, CT 06840, or to a favorite charity.
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