William T. Musco, Jr., of Orange, died peacefully on August 13th, 2021. Born in New Haven on November 5, 1946 to the late Genevieve and William T. Musco Sr. He is survived by the love of his life of 50 years and best friend Marie Violi Musco; sons Matthew Musco of Wethersfield and Mark Musco of Windsor Locks; grandsons Ethan, Tyler, and Benjamin; granddaughter Nora; brother Paul Musco of West Haven and sister Mary Lynn Musco of Manhattan, New York.
A graduate of Saint Anselm College with a degree in political science and philosophy, Billy was an active member of Saint Anselm Alumni Association and a member of the College's President’s Society. Billy began his political career at age 17, his first endeavor was assisting on the 1964 New Hampshire campaign for Presidential hopeful Barry Goldwater. He then worked for candidate Richard Nixon in 1968, as well as each subsequent republican Presidential campaign until his death. He served nearly 30 years in an executive management capacity for General Accident Insurance Company, retiring in 1999.
Long considered a clever Republican operative who could “heat the room” with his acerbic political wit, he will remain long-remembered for his razor-sharp and sometimes caustic expressions, especially as an add-on to phrases belonging to political lexicon. One who defined politics as a “contact sport”, one particular story remains within the minds of his peers. Once asked by an overtly intense reporter as to the exaggeration of his opponent’s record in campaign literature, he stated, “Well, we ain’t writin’ scripture.” Summing up said campaigns, he maintained, “they are not about disseminating truth; rather, they are about winning.”
Billy had a deep and enduring love of poetry, amassing a personal library of nearly 1,000 volumes, including biographies of individual poets as well as twentieth century American Presidents.
A dedicated citizen of Orange, Billy held various titles within the community. He was a member of the Orange Board of Selectmen and Town Ethics Committee, he also served as Chairman of the Orange Republican Town Committee, President of the Orange Soccer Association, Treasurer of the Racebrook School PTA, Minister of the Eucharist at Holy Infant Church, Assistant Boy Scout Leader, and Justice of the Peace.
Services and interment will be private.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Town of Orange Volunteer Fire Department, P.O.Box 878, Orange CT 06477 as well as the Ronald McDonald House, 860 Howard Ave, New Haven, CT 06519.