William R. Kenausis Jr.

Longtime area pharmacist

William R. Kenausis Jr. passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, Aug. 11, 2014. He was born in Waterbury, Conn., Aug. 9, 1926. Bill’s parents were the late William R. Kenausis Sr. and Anna Stokes Kenausis. He is survived by his sister, Rita Kenausis Kalosky of Waterbury, Conn. and his brother, Lawrence Kenausis of Middlebury, Conn.

Bill leaves behind his wife, Irene (Ree) Kenausis; a son Michael Kenausis, his wife, Myrna, and two grandchildren. Michele and Ben of Middlebury; a son, William R. Kenausis III and his wife, Sharon, of Ellsworth, Maine; and a daughter, Joann Bilotta and her husband, Michael Hanley, of West Hartford, Conn. He is predeceased by his son Bryan Kenausis of Enosburg Falls, Vt. Bill also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends whom he enjoyed sharing many laughs with and creating lasting memories.

Bill’s education began at Barnyard Grammar School and progressed to his graduation from Crosby High School in 1944. Upon graduating from Crosby High, Bill joined the Navy and served aboard a destroyer escort, the U.S.S. Haverfield, which was responsible for patrolling the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. for German Submarines during World War II. After the war ended in Europe, he was assigned to the Tasker H. Bliggs, where he finished his navy career having attained the rank of petty officer 2nd class.

Upon honorable discharge from the Navy, Bill enrolled in Duquesne University, where he graduated in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in science. After graduation, he was employed by Chase Brass & Copper in their laboratory for several years before going back to school at UCONN in Storrs, Conn., where he earned a pharmacy degree. Bill then operated an independent family owned pharmacy, Kenausis Drug, with his father Bill Sr. and his uncle Benjamin in Waterbury. Bill owned and operated Kenausis Drug for 20-plus years until around 1976, when he sold the business to a larger commercial interest. He served as president of both the Waterbury and state pharmaceutical associations during his career in pharmacy. Bill practiced his pharmacy profession for 45 years before hanging up his “mortar and pestle.”

Bill was an avid sportsman who participated competitively in swimming, basketball, football, marksmanship, and golf, which he excelled in. He truly enjoyed golf, which he played passionately up until he attained the age of 84. Bill would regularly play in matches and tournaments every chance he would get, enjoying the sport and time with his friends. Bill always welcomed the opportunity to play a round of golf with his grandchildren, often being the instructor and always being the scorer. He recorded three hole-in-one performances during his time enjoying golf.

Bill was best known for his sense of humor, his fun-loving personality and his infectious laugh. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends…creating memories to last us all a lifetime. Interment was to be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements handled by All County Funeral Home & Crematory.