Bill Garrett was Bridgeport’s liberal lion. He roared about climate change before the words burrowed into the human brain. He passed away Sunday after an extensive battle with Alzheimer’s.
Garrett was the guy you went to for help writing a business plan, a campaign outline or crafting a rationale about anything. He was certainly not the typical blood-and-guts Bridgeport pol. His Rhode Island accent lent itself to a refined, patrician demeanor, quite expert quipping elegant insults. While others referred to the establishment as the “political machinery,” he called them “payroll goons.”
Thoughtful, wisdomesque, delightful sense of humor, Garrett was on the front lines – a White male residing in the North End – bringing attention to the mountainous disgrace in the East End coined Mount Trashmore, a dumping ground for demolition-debris polluters impacting a predominately Black neighborhood more than 30 years ago.
He was shoulder to shoulder with arguably his closest friend, former State Rep. Chris Caruso fighting – and beating – environmental proposals such as asphalt plants in highly asthmatic areas.
For the most part he was a stick in the eye to the political establishment, albeit a few outliers. Garrett had a deft pulse for what pissed off voters. In 1991, it was Garrett who advised young mayoral candidate Joe Ganim to attack the rate injustice billed out by leadership at the Water Pollution Control Authority.
In the years that followed Garrett and Ganim had largely parted ways but Garrett was certainly adept at engaging in civil discourse, even with his political enemies.
I had dinner with Garrett and Caruso about a year ago. You could tell that dementia had a taken a toll at least as it involved recent history. The stuff from decades ago, however, still loomed vibrant to share a bunch of laughs.
From Abriola Parkview Funeral Home
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Garrett, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who passed away peacefully on October 6, 2024 at the age of 83 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Bill was born on November 13, 1940 in Warwick, RI, the son of John Garrett and Irene Gleavy. He lived a life dedicated to the service of helping others and of making the world a better place. Bill served 7 years in the U.S. Navy, serving on the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga and the first ballistic missile submarine the USS George Washington. Following his service, Bill met the love of his life Josephine in Philadelphia, married her, and drove across the country with her to Oregon where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon. After moving to Connecticut, Bill became a prominent figure behind the scenes in local and state politics. He became an advocate for climate change through which he touched the lives of many.
He is survived by his daughter Kimberly Siemon (Gregory), granddaughters Mackenzie Minor, Emma Siemon, and Shelby Siemon, his older brother Robert Garrett (Jennifer), and his brother-in-law Chris Metzger as well as many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish his memory. Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife Josephine, his sister Shirley Files (Doug), and brother John Garrett, known affectionately as Jack whom he all loved deeply.
Relatives and friends may greet the family on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. Interment with Full Military Honors will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489 or at www.alz.org/ct. in memory of Bill.
Bill will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, humor, and love for family and the world. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. To leave an online condolence, please visit us at www.abriola.com.
A very bright man.
Loved Bill. He was so smart and so, so funny. Had great times together.
As I search my own memory, I do not recall ever conversing with Bill. Likely I would have found something of agreement, something of humo, and lots of interest.
In my senior years I have become sensitive to maintaining my vision, aware of hearing issues, and seeking medical facts or evidence of failing mental acuity. After six months pursuit, my competency or acuity is normal still, relative to standards, though readers may sometimes disagree. I always extend an offer of a cup of gentle beverage to folks who wish to explore a subject, face to face, relaxed for a time, and ever learning.
Bill lived as a good neighbor. Along with his family and friends, I am sad for this loss of a man who served his country, his communities, and his family, well. Time will tell.