William R. Davis

February 9, 2021

Attorney William R. Davis, 90, beloved father of Russell J. Davis and daughter-in-law Susan of Bloomfield, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, after an extended illness. Bill was born in Waterbury Connecticut, the son of the late May A. Davis and Russell George Davis of West Hartford. He was predeceased by wife, Doris O. Davis and his two daughters, Carolyn Davis and Alyce Davis Knapp, and predeceased by wife, Joanne Gleason. Beside his son and daughter-in-law, he is survived by his grandchildren, William R. Davis, Brindis M. Davis, Russell (Hondo) A. Davis, Myles O. Davis, Carrie Luken, Aine Knapp, Liam Knapp, Sean Knapp and his treasured great grandchildren, Holden Davis and Brayden Brewer. He also leaves behind stepchildren, Bridget, Meg, Colleen, and Devin Gleason along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, many life-long friends including his second family at RisCassi and Davis, P.C. Bill was a graduate of Weaver High School and a proud graduate of Providence College. He received his law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1955. He served proudly in the United States Army. An avid athlete, Bill ran and walked numerous marathons and enjoyed a great love for baseball and football. He particularly enjoyed telling stories and remembering the great history of Willie Mays and Mel Ott. Bill shared his success by being a philanthropist and contributor to many charitable and educational organizations, including his beloved Providence College where he served on the Board of Trustees. The University of Connecticut School of Law, where he served on the Adjunct Faculty for over 20 years, honored him by naming its Moot Courtroom “The William R. Davis Courtroom.” Bill was first introduced, by his father, to Attorney Leon RisCassi. Their firm, RisCassi & Davis, P.C., was born when Bill Davis joined Leon in the practice of law in 1955. Throughout his long and storied career, Bill consistently served as a teacher and inspiration to younger lawyers, not only by his courtroom skills but by his professionalism, collegiality, and civility. He taught generations of young lawyers what it meant to be a trial lawyer. Bill was the recipient of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Edward F. Hennessey Professionalism Award recognizing integrity, character, professionalism, and competency in the practice of law. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Connecticut Alumni Association. He was a diplomate of the American Board of Trial Advocates; a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers; and a fellow of the International Society of Barristers. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. He held all leadership offices in local state and regional bar associations and was continually recognized for his leadership and commitment to the profession. Bill was a true gentle man, a man of great faith, a mentor to many, and a friend to all. Friends and family may gather and social distance at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford on Monday, February 15, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for a walk through wake. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of St. Timothy, 1116 North Main Street, West Hartford. Please note Covid 19 restrictions on masks and capacity will be in place. A private burial service will follow. This service will be live streamed and available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BOWFWGLEoOM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in William’s memory can be made to the May A. Davis Endowed Scholarship Fund, University of Saint Joseph, 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117 (usj.edu/give) and Saint Timothy’s Middle School, 225 King Philip Drive, West Hartford, CT 06117 (www.stmswh.org) Online remembrances may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com. A celebration in Bill’s memory will follow later in year when times and COVID allow.