William “Bill” Servedio
January 14, 1943—December 27, 2021
Highland Falls, NY
William (Bill) Servedio passed away on Monday, December 27th 2021 at home surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 78, ending a courageous 12-year battle with leukemia. He was born January 14th, 1943 in Cornwall, NY. Bill grew up in Highland Falls, NY. He attended Sacred Heart of Jesus School and Highland Falls High School, where he excelled as a 4-sport athlete. He continued his athletic success as a college soccer player, being named a NJCAA All-American at Orange County Community College and as a stand out at Springfield College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Around this time Bill married Marjorie Galu, the love of his life and partner in success, beginning a 55-year journey together starting at the University of Bridgeport, where he served as soccer and tennis coach while completing his master’s degree. He then joined the faculty of Windham College (VT) and later MacMurray College (IL), serving as soccer, cross country/track and golf coach at each institution. Continuing to aspire to greater heights, Bill went on to earn his PhD at The Ohio State University where he also served as the Buckeyes’ head soccer coach. Following receipt of his doctorate Bill became a Professor in the School of Education at the University of Connecticut where he transformed his success as a coach into that of a professor, serving admirably for almost 30 years; 12 of them as Department Head of Sport, Leisure and Exercise Sciences (ESLE). During this time, he began UConn’s sport management program, one of the first of its kind in New England. Always exhibiting boundless energy and outstanding leadership skills, Bill was an inspiration and mentor to numerous students and faculty members who went onto leadership positions in both CT and across the nation. He was also an extremely active member of the university community, serving on a variety of committees within the Neag School of Education and across the University; served as University Chairman for the Connecticut Special Olympics, overseeing and managing all aspects of the games hosted at UConn. Bill later became a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the 21st Century Tolland Fund, which provides support for athletes with disabilities across CT. And he recently established the Professor Emeritus William M. and Marjorie Servedio Scholarship Fund, to provide support for current sport management students in UConn’s Neag School of Education.
Bill will most be remembered for his generous nature, boundless energy and good humor that made such a positive impact on so many. He handled his fight with leukemia with grace and grit, never letting it change his optimistic approach to life. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
Bill was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie (Galu) Servedio; his parents, Vito Servedio and Carmela (Eazzetta) Servedio; his brothers Anthony Servedio of Fort Montgomery, NY; Francis (Frank) Servedio of New Windsor, NY; and Vincent (Jimmy) Servedio of Highland Falls, NY. He is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Servedio of Tolland, CT; son, Michael Servedio of Storrs, CT; grandson, Clement Reitz of Groton, CT; sister, Anna Hubeny (Bill) of Fort Montgomery, NY and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Smilow Cancer Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute for their compassionate and loving care. Due to COVID-19, a memorial service and burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Professor Emeritus William M. and Marjorie Servedio Scholarship Fund (www.foundation.uconn.edu/fund/professor-emeritus-william-m-servedio-scholarship-fund/), or Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven Hospital, or Dana Farber Cancer Institute of Boston.
Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, CT has care of the arrangements. To leave a message of sympathy for Bill’s family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com