William J. Waskowitz

May 2, 1931 - December 4, 2006

Dr. William J. Waskowitz, 75, of Kensington died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 4, 2006. Born May 2, 1931, he was the son of the late Dr. David and Ruth Waskowitz and brother of the late Betsy Waskowitz Rider. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hittinger Waskowitz and his three sons; William and his wife Martha Slater of Cleveland, Ohio, Robert and his wife Meghan of Avon, and David and Kimberly Simeone of Cromwell. In addition, he was the doting grandfather of grandchildren Jackson, Jacob, Samantha, Clarke, Addie, Hannah, Emily, John and Nicholas. Bill was born and raised in New Britain and graduated from Phillips Andover Academy. He then attended Yale University for his undergraduate education. Following in his father’s footsteps, Bill then attended Yale Medical School. It was during his years as a graduate medical school student that he met and eventually married his wife, Barbara Hittinger, in 1957. Interested in sports medicine, he then completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Oklahoma. Returning to New Britain in 1962, Bill joined his father’s established medical practice and began his long career as a leading orthopaedist and sports physician. Early in his career, Bill was on the medical staff at the Newington Children’s Hospital and focused on children’s orthopaedics and hemophilia. He also cared for many high school and college athletes in the area and pioneered the use of arthroscopy at New Britain General Hospital, where he also served as Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery for several years. Bill continued the long tradition of medical sports practice that began when his father was the team physician for the Teacher’s College of Connecticut, which eventually became Central Connecticut State University. At CCSU, Bill helped to further refine the athletic training department and, in recognition of his efforts, was named Honorary Professor of Physical Education and Health Fitness in 1996 and was inducted into CCSU’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. Bill formally retired from practicing medicine in 2005. Aside from his medical profession, Bill was an avid golfer and loved spending time with his family and friends. With his wife Barbara, he enjoyed traveling, skiing, dining and, most of all, laughter. Remembered for his wry sense of humor, Bill had a nickname for anyone he met and possessed a charm that often defied description. Carrying on the compassion that his father portrayed, Bill cared for any and all who needed his assistance. In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family requests that charitable donations be made to either the Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain Campus formerly New Britain General Hospital or the New Britain Museum of American Art. Calling hours will be on Wednesday 12/6 from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. A memorial service will be held at Central Connecticut State University and announced at a later date. Please share a memory or note of sympathy by clicking on "GUESTBOOK" at the bottom of this page.