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| William C. Powanda |
I was so saddened to receive a message Wednesday evening that one of the Valley's biggest cheerleaders had passed earlier that day.
Ansonia native Bill Powanda, 78, of Seymour loved the community he called home and wasn't shy about revealing that affection.
That prompted many to refer to him as 'Mr. Valley.'
Having known Bill since 1978 in my work at the former Evening Sentinel and later at the New Haven Register I'd say that is a perfect nickname.
Bill seemed to know everything about the Valley and was one of a very few go-to guys for journalists with questions about the history and people of the region.
Bill always returned my calls and I'd inevitably learn something from our conversations. He'd invariably sprinkle humorous anecdotes into a phone call.
Bill worked at Griffin Hospital in Derby for 38 years, and when he retired as vice president in 2013 I had the privilege of writing this story for the New Haven Register about him.
I've yet to read his obituary and I know when I do it will be through tears.
R.I.P. Mr. Valley. You will be missed.
