Obituary of William R. Harkins

William R. Harkins, Jr., age 81, beloved husband of Nancy L. Beaver Harkins of Ansonia, died peacefully on August 24, 2016, at home, surrounded by his family. Born in Derby on April 28, 1935, he was the son of the late William R. Harkins, Sr. and Edith Gittings Harkins. Mr. Harkins was a resident of Ansonia for many years and was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran of the Korean War, serving as a gunner’s mate on the USS Ticonderoga. A big kid at heart, he owned and operated Bill’s Hobby Lobby of Ansonia and the Collector’s Paradise of Derby. He was an RC airplane and model rocket hobbyist, a collector of antique tin toys, as well as baseball cards. He had a passion for pinball machines, owning and restoring 90 different machines through the years. A classic car enthusiast, he was often found at cruises, car shows or restoring a project car of his own. In addition to his wife of 57 years, he is survived by his devoted daughters, Tracy Hara and her husband, Thomas of Morris, Carrie Chapin of Watertown, and Sherry Nash and her husband, Gary of Shelton, cherished grandchildren, Shaun Hara, Holly Anne and Heather Chapin, Steve McKay and Danny Nash; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Harkins and a sister, Jane Harkins. A Memorial Service in celebration of his life will take place in the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia at 7:00 PM on Friday, September 9, 2016. Military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Navy. Private interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Ansonia. Friends and family may call on Friday, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, prior to the service. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation of CT Hospice and Wayne Tate for their compassionate care extended to Bill in his time of need. Online condolences may be made at wwww.wakeleememorial.com.