William C. Sjovall, Sr.

William C. Sjovall Sr., 92, formerly of Wallingford, CT, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Gwendolyn.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, he moved to Ridgefield, CT, during high school where he met Gwen.
He was a 1951 graduate of Fairfield University, the University's very first graduation class. After college he was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Navy, where he served three years active duty including as navigator aboard the destroyer USS Massey. He entertained his family and friends with many interesting stories of his travels around the world aboard the Massey including an eerie experience in the Bermuda Triangle. He also served twenty-five years in the Naval Reserve where he retired a Commander. He took great pride in his time in the Navy.
His professional life was spent in pharmaceutical sales with a number of large companies, ultimately retiring from Pfizer. He and Gwen loved to travel on cruises which they did frequently both here and abroad. After Gwen passed, he became active in the Wallingford Senior Center where he served terms as Treasurer and President. He made many dear friends at the Senior Center especially Carolyn Kennedy, with whom he continued his love to travel and a new interest in ballroom dancing. He moved to Brookdale assisted living in Attleboro, MA, five years ago to be closer to family.
He is survived by his five children: Charlene (formerly Smith) of Milford, CT; William and his wife, Donna, of Morristown, NJ; Kristine (Malkowski) and her husband, Dennis of North Attleboro MA; Michael and his partner, Ann-Marie, of Syracuse, NY; and Eric and his wife, Debbie, of Nathalie, VA. He also leaves ten grandchildren: Jason Smith and Megan (Smith) Buxton, Gregory and Elissa Sjovall, Matthew and Sarah Sjovall, Katie and Kaylee Malkowski and Chantell and Samuel Sjovall; six great-grandchildren. Bill leaves a large family including his brother, John Sjovall of Arizona and Massachusetts, and was predeceased by his sister, Peggy, as well as many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children.
Private services will be held followed by interment beside his wife Gwen at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.
For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at
www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com .
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleborough. (508) 695-0200