William Edward Hodnette Saleeby, beloved son of Vesta Smith Saleeby and the late Roger N. Saleeby, Jr; brother of Amy, Molly, Roger (Margaret), Ben (Linda), and Dan (Cindy); and uncle of Eli, Jack, Caleb, Sam, Tyler (Katriina), Lucy, Henry, Lilly, and Maggie Saleeby passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024.
Born on March 9, 1962, in Falls Church, VA and raised in Greenwich, Will attended North Mianus School, Central Middle School, and Greenwich High School, class of 1980, before completing his undergraduate studies at Harvard University.
Growing up in Greenwich, Will was an inspiration to many. At 14, he was named the American Legion's "most outstanding young resident of the town." He was a multi-sport athlete, musician, and Eagle Scout, among many other accomplishments. At Greenwich High School, he earned 14 varsity letters in five sports, was captain of the track team, and, as a running back on the football team, was selected for the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference All-Western Division offensive unit. He was Student Body president, first trumpet chair in orchestra, band, and jazz ensemble, and sang the lead roles of Curly and Billy Bigelow in the musical theatre productions of "Oklahoma" and "Carousel". Also, while in high school, Will was president of the Greenwich chapter of the National Honor Society, first trumpet chair Connecticut All-State Band, and received the Connell Award among 400 participants in American Legion Boys State.
At Harvard, Will played on the football team, was a member of the A.D. Club (elected Vice President) and Hasting Pudding Theatricals and was lead and solo trumpet with the Harvard Jazz Ensemble. During his sophomore summer, he interned in Washington, DC, for then-Connecticut Senator, Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. He wrote his senior magna cum laude thesis on U.S.-Soviet arms control negotiations.
Will had a long career in Manhattan commercial real estate investment and management before pursuing his lifelong passion for music, entertaining many with his gifts as a singer, horn player, and arranger for his band.
Above all else, Will valued family and was a loving, devoted son. Nothing delighted Uncle Willie more than watching his nieces and nephews excel on the field and on the stage. He was always there for a performance, game, or graduation, cheering louder than anyone.
Will was a spiritual man of deep faith, connected to nature and all God's creatures. Some of his happiest times were spent on the river, at the ocean, and in the woods with his brothers. He loved a homemade Southern meal and playing the piano at holidays with family and friends gathered around singing.
Will touched the lives of countless people. Our son, brother, and uncle was a great man full of heart, character, intellect, and talent. He will be missed forever. His family expresses our sincerest gratitude for the immense outpouring of love and compassion we have received.
A service will be announced at a later date.
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