Brookfield Business Owner, Former Selectman John Will, 84

John Henry Will, Jr., 84, of Brookfield, died on Oct. 4, 2013, following a brief illness. He was born April 26, 1929, in Danbury, the son of Margaret (Caroll) and John Will, Sr.

He is survived by his children, John Will, III, of Sandy Hook, Kerry (Will) Morse, of Yuma, Ariz., Alan Will and David Will of Brookfield, and Peter Will of New Fairfield; five grandchildren, including Katherine Will of Sandy Hook; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

Will grew up in Danbury, graduating from Danbury High School in 1947. He then went to work, first as a salesman and then as sales manager, with several local auto dealerships.

He married Constance Miller on June 14, 1952. They lived in Bethel, and began their family there with the birth of their first two children. They moved to Brookfield in 1955, where their third, fourth and fifth sons were born and raised.

Mr. and Mrs. Will started The Tractor Barn in Brookfield in 1970, and ran it successfully for nine years. John then entered the power equipment distribution field, while at the same time he and his wife co-owned and operated The Dish House, also in Brookfield.

He retired in 1996.

Will was politically involved in Brookfield for several years after his retirement. He was never one to pontificate what he did.

Will served on the Board of Selectmen (appointed for one term from 2001-03), chaired the Board of Assessment Appeals for a time (seated from 1995-01) and sat on the Republican Town Committee for almost 20 years.

He loved NASCAR, traveling and his cats.

Will was predeceased by his wife in 2007 and his sister, Margaret “Peggy” A. (Will) Koschel, the following year.

The family will receive friends and visitors on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street in Danbury. A funeral service will be conducted at 7 pm.

Burial will be in Center Cemetery, Brookfield, at the convenience of the family.

At the family’s request, donations in Mr. Will’s name may be made to Ability Beyond Disability, 4 Berkshire Boulevard, Bethel CT 06801.