M. William Hackett

M. William Hackett, age 86, passed away peacefully in his West Haven home on May 11th, 2024.  Born Michael William on February 19, 1938. "Bill" was the son of the late Patrick and Delia (Waldron) Hackett and husband of 53 years to Carol (Little) Hackett until her passing in 2013.

Bill was raised in the Goatville section of New Haven, graduated Wilbur Cross High School in 1956 where he was Hockey team Captain and went on to proudly serve in the U.S. Army. 

Born to Irish immigrants, Bill was especially proud of his Irish heritage. He was a longtime member of the Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, serving as Grand Marshall in 1993.  He was also a member and past President of the West Haven Irish-American Club, where he and Carol were honored as their Irish Couple of the Year in 1994 and they received that same honor from The City of West Haven in 1996.  Bill was a lifetime member of the Branford Elks Lodge 1939, the American Legion Post 196, the Knights of St. Patrick, the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.  Bill retired from Metro North as a conductor in 2000, after working 38 years on the rails where he made lifelong friends and great memories.  Known as a kind soul, always a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, Bill was a friend to all and never met a stranger. He enjoyed traveling especially to Ireland, Saratoga Springs, NY and Florida. 

Bill is survived by his brother James P. (Elizabeth) Hackett of Cheshire, his five children: Donna (Coleman) Walsh, Kathleen (Robert) Reiss, William (Mary) Hackett, Marjorie Hackett, Ellen (Daniel) Collins, all of West Haven and was a fun loving, witty Pop to his grandchildren: Jane (fiancé Stuart) and Coleman Walsh, Kevin (Danielle), Shaun, Melanie and Robert Reiss, Brianna Hackett, Erin, Daniel and Riley Collins and two bonus great-grandsons Brandon and Jameson Reiss.  He also leaves behind his dear friend Lois Fitzgerald, several nieces, nephews, countless friends, and barstool buddies. He will be deeply missed by all.

The hours for visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-7pm at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green.  On Wednesday morning, family and friends are invited to go directly to St. John Vianney Church of St. John XXIII Parish at 10am to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial.  Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The West Haven Community House c/o Community Connections, 227 Elm Street, West Haven, CT  06516.  

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