William John (Billy) Niedbala

1953 – 12-8-2021 

William John (Billy) Niedbala, 68, of Ivoryton, CT, passed away peacefully at home on December 8, 2021. Bill was born and raised in New Britain, CT, the son of the late William and Jean (Smulski) Niedbala. After graduating from Pulaski High School, Bill earned his Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Hartford State Technical College. He later graduated from Central Connecticut State University with Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. 

Billy was employed at Pratt & Whitney for several years and transitioned to Henkel-Loctite, retiring in 2019. 

Billy married the love of his life, Cynthia Kearns Niedbala, and moved to Ivoryton where they raised their family. He was a devoted husband and father, who was very proud of witnessing the successes of his daughters. Bill loved antique cars, gardening, and home improvement projects. 

In recent years, Billy’s passion was living as Santa Billy, bringing joy and kindness to children with special needs, families in financial distress, and establishing his “Operation Holiday Happiness” to meet the growing needs of others. 

Billy was a devoted communicant of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish. He was also active in the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Sorrows Council 12113, serving most recently as Grand Knight. He also served as Faithful Navigator for the Father Philip Sheridan Assembly, Fourth Degree. 

Billy is lovingly survived by his wife of 44 years, Cindy, and their children, Megan and Bethany. He also leaves his mother-in-law, Charlene Kearns, numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, friends, and neighbors to grieve his loss. 

Visitation was held on Monday, December 13, 2021 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook. Billy’s Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 10:30am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church (St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish) 14 Prospect Street in Essex. Interment will be privately held by his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Billy’s memory to: The CT Society of Santas, PO Box 541, Bethlehem, CT 06751.