William Patrick Colbrook, 82 of Stonington, passed away at 10:28a.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, with his family by his side, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. He was born on August 31, 1941, in Taylorville, the son of William P. and Elsie J. (Clark) Colbrook. He married Ellen Louise Morgan on January 20, 1962, in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stonington.
He worked several jobs throughout his life from farming to working as a diesel mechanic for the Norfolk & Southern Railroad. Bill was a proud member of the Stonington community and gave back in many ways, most notably through his service to the Stonington Fire Department. Bill joined the department in 1973, becoming Chief in 1990. He served in that role until his retirement in 2010. He was instrumental in setting up the 911 system as well as the mutual aid system for the county where he served as president from 1993 – 2009. He was an active member of the Stonington Lions Club, joining in 1980 and continuing until the club disbanded in June of 2024.
Bill was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He coached baseball for several years as his sons were growing up. He was an avid gardener and loved to share his produce with family and friends. He was especially proud of his blackberry bushes and loved to make cobblers from the fruit. History was a favorite pastime of Bill’s, especially learning about WWII. He enjoyed feeding the birds and watching them from his favorite chair in the sunroom of his house.
He enjoyed solitaire and card games with friends. Bill was always willing to “help” his neighbor at the card table by trying to sneak a peek at their hand and offer his advice for the best card to play. Bill enjoyed traveling and made a game out of spotting DOT Foods trucks on the road and documenting interesting art in public bathrooms. He aways looked forward to his Wednesday afternoon coffee & conversation group at the Stonington Public Library. When the time came that he needed to have a change of diet, he joined an Ornish diet group for help, and quickly made special connections with the other members, friendships that long outlasted the change in diet. He will be remembered for his ability to tell stories in great detail.
More than anything, Bill loved and adored his family. He and Ellen celebrated 59 loving years together. They left countless memories for their children and grandchildren through wonderful holiday gatherings, family events, and Ellen’s Camp Grandma, where Bill’s official role was support staff. During many family events, Bill took the responsibility of serving as chief napper. He often helped at Colbrook Massage during the busy times, answering the phones, selling gift certificates, or doing laundry. Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his children: Margaret Wilson (Brian) of Downers Grove, William "Bill" Colbrook (Kim) of Urbana, Robert "Bob" Colbrook of Lombard; Amy Wade (Chris) of Stonington, and Matthew "Matt" (Nancy) Colbrook of Taylorville; grandchildren: Adam Wilson, Ben Wilson, Sarah Wilson, Emily Wilson, Steven Colbrook (Robyn), Joe Colbrook, Natacia Stillwell, Zachary Tobias, Marcus Goines, Mirrah Stillwell, Hannah Colbrook, Denise Colbrook, Madison Colbrook, Garrett Colbrook, Sophie Wade, Rozella Colbrook, William Colbrook, and Zettie Colbrook; great grandchild: Beckham Colbrook; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; siblings: Benjamin Colbrook, James Colbrook, and Anna Catherine Bragdon.
A funeral mass for Bill will take place at 11:00a.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stonington with Fr. Piotr Kosk officiating. Visitation will take place from 9:30a.m. until 11:00a.m. on Friday at the Church and the burial will be in the Old Stonington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
