In loving memory of Willard Hogg, who passed peacefully surrounded by family on December 20, 2023 at the age of 93 in Scottsdale, AZ. The proud son of Walter and Ethel Hogg, he was born in Bedeque Prince Edward Island in 1930. He was married to Ernestine Taylor from Freetown for 32 years and had three children, after which he was married to Carol Shea from Naugatuck, CT, for 28 years, until she passed in 2011. Willard took pride in his Canadian heritage and his distinguished career in banking started there at the Canadian Bank of Commerce in Summerside. His dedication and hard work brought him to the United States in 1957 where he worked for State National Bank in Stamford, CT. There he would grow the bank’s footprint by opening branch offices in Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield, and New Milford among others. We remember him working three jobs in those days so he could build a strong foundation for his young family. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start the Mattatuck Bank and Trust Company in Waterbury, CT. Helping people in his community in this way was one of his proudest career achievements. After retiring from banking, Willard found a second calling as a consultant, utilizing his wealth of experience to guide and support small family businesses. Being able to make such a positive impact was immensely fulfilling for him. Willard’s interests were diverse. From golf to boating, playing the piano to owning antique cars, gardening and exploring the world, he lived a life rich in experiences. He lived in many places throughout Connecticut over his lifetime, spent winters in Longboat Key, FL, where he was an avid boater, and then lastly in Scottsdale, AZ. But his heart remained rooted in his beloved Prince Edward Island, returning every year as he was able to visit friends and family and savoring the memories of his upbringing. A loving father to Gary (wife Colleen Graham) , Lyle (wife Gretchen Oehler) and Natalie (husband Tom Roche), Willard leaves behind a legacy of invaluable life lessons that he taught his children. He instilled the values of hard work, determination and dreaming big that will endure for generations. He believed that experience comes from poor judgement but that good judgement comes from experience. And he was always there for them when they showed poor judgement! He was a beloved grandfather to Briana Hogg, Fiona Hogg, Carey Hogg, Jessica (Hogg) Walsh, Jordan Hogg, Ryan Roche and Kyle Roche and a beloved great grandfather to Emma and Wyatt Walsh. He was a stepfather to Ricky Shea, Bob Shea, and Cathy Shea. And he will be remembered as a long time friend to many. Per his wishes, there will be no funeral service. Instead, he will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Northfield Cemetery in Litchfield, CT.
R. Willard HOGG — Scottsdale, AZ
