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William A. “Bill” Ramcke, 75, passed away on July 13. He was born in New Haven, but lived most of his life on the shoreline.

Bill was always there for his children and his grandbabies. He was a hard worker and never missed a day of work. He was a mechanic and owner of Essex Sunoco in the ‘70s, a salesman for many years, and retired as manager of Essex Service Center. He enjoyed having fun and going out on his boat on Long Island Sound. He was quick with a joke and he had a contagious smile.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Ramcke and Dorothy Goodman. Bill lost the love of his life of more than 30 years, his wife Donna Jean Swain. He is survived by his brother Edward Ramcke and his wife Carol. He also leaves his children Melissa Figuenick Adams, Donna Frei and her husband Mike, William Ramcke and his wife Kim, Mike Ramcke and his fiancée Sue, Dan Ramcke, and Laurie Jax; 22 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28, at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook. A service of remembrance will follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Gladeview Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Old Saybrook for their care and compassion. To share a memory of Bill or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.