William R. Denton

William “Bill” Russell Denton, 63, of West Hartford, beloved husband of Catherine (O’Toole) Denton, passed away with his loving family by his side on September 9, 2025, after a brief illness. Bill was born in Hartford on May 30, 1962, the son of Diane Denton and the late Robert Denton. A West Hartford native, Bill grew up participating in local youth sports, where he met many friends who he carried throughout his life. He further developed many cherished friendships during his time at Northwest Catholic High School (Class of 1980), and the University of South Florida. Bill was an outgoing and generous personality who lived his life without pretense. He was known for his kindness and thoughtful gestures towards others. Among other things, Bill was always happy to lend a hand, offer a ride, or bring a milkshake from A.C. Petersen Farms. Bill saw the best in others and made friends everywhere he went. He had the uncanny ability to maintain quality relationships with a great number of friends. Bill fostered communities of large and varied groups of people in his role as “the Commissioner” of his many sports pools. Bill’s greatest passion was playing golf with his family and friends. Beyond playing, he was an enthusiastic sports fan, with a special love for the Masters. He was also a loyal supporter of the Hartford Whalers, and later, the Carolina Hurricanes. Above all else, Bill was a loving and devoted family man. In particular, he deeply cherished his relationships with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Along with his wife, Catherine, Bill never missed an event where his children were involved. He found great joy in coaching their youth sports teams and supporting them in all their endeavors. Later in life, Bill continued to prioritize finding meaningful ways to spend quality time with his children. His greatest joy in recent years was being “Bubba” to his two grandchildren, Rory and Keegan, who he adored endlessly. Bill is survived by his wife of 36 years, Catherine Denton; daughter Allison White and her husband Bradley; son Brian Denton and his fiancé Meredith Piela; son Owen Denton; mother Diane Denton; and brother James Denton. He also leaves behind his two grandchildren, Rory and Keegan White. He is further survived by his sister-in-law Mary Babcock and her husband Rich; brother-in-law James O’Toole and his wife Peggy; their families; and countless wonderful friends. Bill was predeceased by his father, Robert Denton Sr.; his brother, Robert Denton Jr.; and his wife’s parents James and Helen O’Toole. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, September 14 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at The Church of St. Timothy, 1116 North Main St, West Hartford. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 15 at 10:00 am at The Church of St. Timothy, with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bill’s name to Ball 4 a Cure, www.ball4acure.org. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com