William "Poppy" T. Kettle Sr.

William T. "Poppy" Kettle Sr., 78 of Killingly, CT, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 25, 2024.  William was born in Oneco, CT., on February 16, 1946, and was the son of the late William B. and Margaret (Greenhalgh) Kettle.

William is survived by his wife of 55 years, Deborah (Joly) Kettle and his sons, William T. Kettle Jr. and his partner Elizabeth Holmes, Shayne M. Kettle and his wife Katrina, and Edwin Lisboa and his wife April.  William is also survived by his grandchildren, Elizabeth Kettle, William B. Kettle, Shayne Kettle Jr., Melody Kettle, Shawn Kettle, Ella Kettle, Anabella Lisboa and Malakai Lisboa; also by his great-granddaughter, Claire Phaiah; several nieces and nephews.  William was predeceased by his sister, Shirley Harrington.

For 30 years, William worked at Anchor Glass in Killingly, CT and in Salem, NJ, until his retirement in 1999.  William also worked as an EMT for Moosup Ambulance and KB Ambulance until his retirement in 2016.  William dedicated his life to Fire and EMS Service and giving back to his community over the past 62 years of his life.  William joined the fire department at the age of 16, serving with the Western Coventry Department in Coventry, RI for 24 years and was the Deputy Chief before retiring and moving to Connecticut.  William was most proud of starting a junior firefighting program in Western Coventry and working with young kids trying to become firefighters.  Throughout the next 38 years, William was a member of the Dayville Fire Company, Williamsville Fire Engine Company and the Attawaugan Fire Department, serving as a Lieutenant in each.  He was also a 28-year life member of the KB Ambulance Corp. in Killingly, and served as Captain in the 1990's.  William had many stories and proud moments while in the department and took great joy teaching people who wanted to learn about Fire and EMS service.  If you asked William about his favorite call, he would probably have told you about the cardiac arrest save that he had with his son Shayne and granddaughter Elizabeth all working together on that call.  Anyone in Northeastern Connecticut, who served in Fire and EMS over the past 38 years will have or know a story about "Poppy" Kettle (as he was known by his peers).

William was also active in the Coventry, RI, PAL League in the 1980's, where he coached baseball and soccer for many years for his sons.  He loved being able to have that time with his boys, coaching their teams and helping them develop.  He was an avid lover and fan of old school country and oldies music genres.  He loved listening to Barbara Mandrell and had collected every album she ever made.  He loved taking care of his old cars - a 1955 Chevy Bel Air and a 1923 Ford T-Bucket.

At this time, no funeral services will be held.  William's family is planning a Celebration of Life, which will be held after the New Year.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, 48 School Street, Webster, has been entrusted with William's arrangements.  A memorial guestbook is available at www.shaw-majercik.com.  

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