William George Polinsky

William George Polinsky, Jr., 83 of Harwinton (originally of New Haven, and former longtime Bethany resident) passed away comfortably in his sleep on July 16, 2024. Born September 5, 1940 in New Haven to the late William George and Martha Worthington Polinsky, predeceased by his loving wife Doris, sisters, Nancy Jamilkowski, Martha (Irwin) Spiegelman, and survived by sisters Suzanna (William) Blanchfield, Cynthia Polinsky, and brother Peter (Susan) Schade, four children Eric (Andrea) of Woodbridge; Mark (Traci) of Harwinton, William (Adriana) of Cheshire, and Sarah Monaco (Carmine) of Wallingford; and six grandchildren Rae and Sean Polinsky of Harwinton, Carmine Monaco of Wallingford, Matthew Polinsky of Woodbridge, and Luna and Alexander Polinsky of Cheshire. Bill briefly attended Hillhouse High School in New Haven, and then Hamden Hall (class of 1958) where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He also served as a class officer and vice president his senior year. At Hamden Hall, Bill played for two undefeated football teams on both sides of the ball, scoring 86 points his senior year. Bill also served as captain of the basketball team that same year. In 2013, Bill was lauded as Hamden Hall’s most talented athlete of his time and honored with an Alumni Achievement Award, and in 2018 was inducted into the Hamden Hall Athletic Hall of Fame. A graduate of Yale University class of 1962, Bill played basketball and baseball and was selected All League in the Eastern Intercollegiate Baseball League, batting .363 while stealing 19 bases. He was also chosen as MVP by his teammates. After graduating from Yale, Bill was recruited by the Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball team, and attended Spring training in Mesa, AZ. He was subsequently assigned to Chicago's minor league affiliate in Pocatello, Idaho (Chiefs) where he played for 2 years. Bill enjoyed a longtime career at M. Schiavone and Sons in the scrap metal recycling business, rising to Vice-President of Marketing. He and wife Doris retired to Harwinton in 2004 where Bill enjoyed gardening, spending time with his grandchildren, and was very active in their local church. Bill will always be remembered for his witty and clever sense of humor, and his devotion to his family and his faith. The family greatly appreciates the loving care given to Bill at Midstate Hospital (Meriden), and Regency House (Wallingford) during his final days. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Friday, August 2, 2024 at St. Rita’s Church at 1620 Whitney Avenue in Hamden CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Constellation Hospice 240 Indian River Rd. Orange, CT 06477. To leave an online condolence please visit www.siskbrothers.com

William George Polinsky

September 5, 1940 - July 16, 2024