Dr. William J. Hewett, Sr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. William (Bill) Hewett, a brilliant soul whose presence illuminated the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Bill departed this world on February 2, shortly after celebrating his 88th birthday with family and friends on January 27. He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and enduring memories. Bill was born in Buffalo, NY to Dr. Joseph and Ruth (Yensan) Hewett. He was the eldest brother to James, Mary, Donald, David, and Elizabeth. Through his esteemed lineage, he was granted a membership in the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Bill graduated from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. In 1961, he obtained a medical degree from the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and went on to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. He began his career as a Captain and received a promotion to Major in the US Army, where he served as a medical officer for 3 years stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. Upon returning to the States, he joined a practice at Hartford Hospital. For nearly 30 years he served as a member of the Hartford Hospital medical staff and the University of Connecticut (UCONN) medical staff. During this time Dr. Hewett honed his specialty and began a successful practice as a Gynecologic Oncologist, lending his expertise and time serving on several medical boards, impacting the lives of many. His notable leadership roles included President of the Mid-Atlantic Gynecologic Oncology Society (MAGOS), and President of both the New England and Connecticut American Cancer Societies. He was the recipient of the Dr. George Sheehan Award for his unwavering commitment to humanity. In his leisure time, Bill enjoyed playing golf and tennis and was a former member of the Hartford Tennis Club, Farmington Field Club and the Country Club of Farmington. At age 55, Bill decided to pursue his dream to be a pilot. He obtained his Private Pilot License with an Instrument Rating, as well as a Certified Instructor License and many other flight certifications. He especially loved spending time “in the air” and enjoyed a second career being employed at the Brainard Airport in Hartford, CT. Upon retiring from flying, he volunteered as a docent at the New England Air Museum and was an active member in the Connecticut Old Guard and a WWII History Book Club. Bill’s real passion was teaching. He had an incredible mind that constantly inspired those around him. Whether he was at the operating table, in the clinic or his office (his preferred classrooms), giving flying lessons from the cockpit of his Cessna 182 (2351G), leading tours at the air museum dispensing fascinating historical details about WWII, or sharing his vast general knowledge on almost any topic, Bill will undoubtedly be remembered by many whose lives were enriched by his friendship and guidance. Bill is survived by his devoted wife and life partner, Marian (Forti) Hewett, and his 8 children Lori (Hazard) Demaria, Terri (Hazard) Bonee, Amy Hewett, Jodi (Hazard) Mallon, Michael Hewett, Catherine Hewett, Jacqui (Hazard) O’Keefe and William J. Hewett, Jr. along with their spouses and 17 grandchildren. The family wishes to express their special thanks to Renee Green for her invaluable help over the past 4 years, and most recently the hospice services provided by Hartford HealthCare at Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating “in memory of Dr. William J. Hewett” to Parkinson’s Foundation at 1359 Broadway Unit 1509, NYC, NY 10018 or Hartford HealthCare at Home- Hospice at 1290 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT 06109 or any charity of your choice. A memorial service is planned for Spring 2024. In the meantime, please help remember Bill by sharing your memories at Molloy Funeral Home: https://www.molloyfuneralhome.com/.

Dr. William J. Hewett, Sr.

February 2, 2024