This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

William B. Jackson (EHFD, ret.), 92, of East Haven passed away peacefully on July 30 at home. He was born Jan. 18, 1927, in East Haven to Amos and Florence (Hitchcock) Jackson. William is survived by son Douglas Jackson (Diane) of Naples, Florida, daughter Dawn Jackson (Michael DeFeo) of Branford, and grandchildren Isabella Jackson, Samantha Jackson, Tyler Conway, Kalee Conway, Dylon Conway, Patrick Conway, William A. Jackson, and Christina DeFeo. He is also survived by a great-granddaughter, Keely Malone, and a sister, Geraine Benham. William was preceded in death by his parents, wife Patricia (Maturo) Jackson (1975), daughter Dale Jackson Conway, granddaughter Lauren Patricia Jackson, and siblings Robert Jackson, Richard Jackson, Edward Jackson, Margo Cassella, and Frances Vache.

William graduated from East Haven High School and entered the Navy serving in WWII as a US Navy armed guard signalman III class aboard transport ships serving in the New Guinea area of the Pacific Theater. He returned home and joined Riverside Volunteer Fire Company 6, serving a total of 73 years. In 1953 he hired on with East Haven Fire Department (EHFD) climbing through the ranks serving as firefighter, drill instructor, and battalion chief, retiring in 1980 as the fire marshal/deputy chief and civil defense director. He was the last remaining charter member of East Haven Firefighters Local 1205, as a signatory on the union charter in 1955, and a past president. Throughout his career he remained current by attending multiple college courses relating to training and fire investigation.

He remained active for more than 50 years in many organizations, including the VFW Post 89, American Legion, Connecticut Free Masons, and Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, 32nd Degree. He was also a member of the Connecticut River PowWow Society, both the Connecticut and New England Fire Marshals Associations, East Haven Historical Society (past president), The Old Cemetery Board, Armed Guard, and served as the East Haven Town Historian since 2012. His many interests included a lifelong love of boating, motorcycles, and birdwatching; he was a devoted father and role model to his children and grandchildren. He also leaves his beloved cat Smokey.

The family received friends from on Aug. 4 at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. A funeral service was held on Aug. 5 in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, with burial and military honors to follow at East Lawn Cemetery, East Haven. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the East Haven Animal Shelter or East Haven Historical Society.