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William "Bill" McKale, 76, of Wilton, Connecticut, passed away on June 29, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Born on April 11, 1950, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to the late John and Pauline McKale, Bill lived a life defined by generosity, warmth, and an unwavering devotion to the people and passions he held dear.
Bill built his career at Toyota of Stamford, where he worked his way up through his father's dealership until he became president. When his father passed, Bill took the helm and honed the business to great success, earning the prestigious President's Award. Known as a fair and supportive leader, he earned the deep respect and affection of his employees, who regarded him not merely as a boss but as a mentor and friend.
Above all else, Bill loved music. Blessed with the voice of an angel, he taught himself to play multiple instruments by ear, including the guitar, bagpipes, tin whistle, fiddle, and harp. He played in rock bands, performed Irish music at establishments on St. Patrick's Day, and played bagpipes at weddings. He finally learned to read music when he joined the choir at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, where he took great pride in the choir's accomplishments, including recording the CD "A St. Stephen's Christmas."
Bill cherished his time on the water, especially the summers spent on Block Island with friends and family. He could be found watching Walter play at the Mahogany Shoals, enjoying drinks at Payne's Dock, eating "sinkers," and watching his grandchildren catch crabs. He was also an accomplished Tae Kwon Do practitioner.
His generous spirit extended well beyond his personal circle. Bill sponsored impoverished children through Save the Children and donated his time as a coach and facilitator with The Pacific Institute. Whatever community he was part of loved and respected him, drawn to his wonderful sense of humor, his forgiving nature, and his willingness to help anyone in need.
A dedicated father and grandfather, Bill is survived by his daughter, Heather Roman; his son, Duncan McKale; his brother, Chuck McKale; as well as Matthew Roman, Alec Roman, Tayler Purcell, Sophia Roman, and Kiley McKale, all of whom were treasured members of his family.
Bill's faith was a quiet and sustaining force in his life, woven through his years of service at St. Stephen's Church and reflected in the grace with which he lived each day. May he now rest in the peace he so richly deserves.
A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Ridgefield, Connecticut, on Thursday, July 9, at 1:00 p.m.
"Go gcastar le chéile arís": may we meet again.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill's memory may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association - PO Box 61420; Staten Island, NY 10306, or online at American Parkinson Disease Association Donations.
Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
American Parkinson Disease Association
PO Box 61420, Staten Island NY 10306
Web: https://support.apdaparkinson.org/site/Donation2?1400.donation=form1&df_id=1400&mfc_pref=T&autologin