William "Willie" Kacynski

William “Willie” Kacynski, 71, passed away surrounded by loved ones after a long and hard‑fought nine‑year battle with cancer. Born in Cheshire, CT, he remained a lifelong resident of the town he loved.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Amy; his sons Kyle Addy of Westbrook, CT (wife Kristie) and Justin Kacynski of West Haven, CT; his step-daughter Andrea Laudano of Deep River, CT; and his cherished grandchildren, Alexandria Addy of Cromwell, CT, and Hunter Addy of Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. He is also survived by his brother, David Kacynski of Cheshire, CT.

For 25 years, Willie proudly served the Town of Cheshire Education Department in the Facilities Department, where he was known for his reliability, dedication, and steady presence. Before his work with the town, he built a respected career as a carpenter and painter. His craftsmanship, attention to detail, and pride in every project earned him a reputation as someone who could be trusted to do things the right way.

He also worked the chains for Cheshire Rams football for many years, cheering from the sidelines in his own quiet way — a small role he loved, and one that kept him connected to the community he cared about.

To his kids and grandkids, he was simply “Pop” — a tough, stubborn son of a gun who refused to let anything keep him down. Cancer never got the best of him; it may have knocked him off his horse a few times, but he always got back up with the same grit and determination that defined his life. He never wanted to burden anyone with his troubles and, even when he knew he could no longer do certain things, he still tried to handle them himself. That quiet strength was just who he was.

In his younger years, before illness slowed him down, he was always on the move — working hard, helping others, and spending his spare time outdoors. He loved being active, staying busy, and doing things with his own two hands long before he ever needed help from anyone.

He was an avid fisherman who found peace and joy on the water, especially during his treasured trips off the grid at fish camp in Vermont — a place that brought him endless happiness and calm. Up there, he’d often “solve the world’s problems” in a single night, sitting by the fire or out on the dock, talking, thinking, and finding clarity in the quiet of the woods.

Even during chemotherapy, his spirit never wavered. After each appointment, he and his son would go for a shot and a sip of beer — a small ritual that said more about his grit, humor, and refusal to be defined by illness than any words ever could.

And for those who knew him best, his signature reminder — “Don’t be an ass” — carried more meaning than the words alone. It was his way of teaching humility, common sense, and decency, delivered with the dark humor that made him who he was.

He will be remembered for his hard work, his skill, his love of the outdoors, his stubborn determination, his common‑sense directness, and the deep devotion he had for his family.

Services and burial will be private.