William J. Sarra, Jr.

William J. Sarra, Jr., of Berlin, Connecticut, husband of Debra (Killeen) Sarra, died peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Billy was born July 21, 1950 to William and Anna (Mozzicatto) Sarra in New Britain, CT, where he grew up the cherished only son, lovingly surrounded by his three sisters. He graduated from Pulaski High School in 1968 and went on to attend college at the University of Connecticut, where he met many lifelong friends. Filled with entrepreneurial spirit, he opened Strovis Package Store. He went on to work for the family-owned American Bazaar Garment Factory, and eventually retired from the Connecticut Lottery.

Billy’s greatest source of pride came from the family he raised with his bride of 42 years, Debi, who knew he was the one when he insisted on attending his goddaughter Gina’s first birthday party over another social event. For Billy, family always came first, and Debi couldn’t help but be impressed.

Their summers were spent taking their girls to Nauset Beach on Cape Cod for long days of boogie boarding and warm nights playing music with a cold sarsaparilla. As his daughters grew up, you could regularly find Bill on the sidelines of a soccer game or in the audience of a dance recital. He delighted in sharing well-worn photos of his children, snapshots from years gone by that he proudly displayed as if no time had passed. Family and friends remember lively nights on the deck, with music turned up, a fire burning, and plenty of laughter that carried well into the night (or at least as long as the deck chairs lasted). Bill was the family’s best DJ, from records to CDs, and long before playlists, he was our original Pandora. There was always a song on hand to match the mood or mark the moment.

Bill was never shy about how much he loved being in the house that he and Debi made a home. But he also enjoyed taking a drive down to the shore where he was warmly greeted, “Brother Bill,” by his sister Nancy and her husband Jim for a night of fireworks or a boat ride around the sound. Sunday dinners at his sister Joan’s house always meant good Italian cooking and easy laughter. Billy loved to tell stories about the many concerts and live music he saw throughout his life. His sister Roberta was a steady presence in his social life, right alongside him for many of the good times and friendships they shared in New Britain.

In recent years his four grandchildren, Stella, Wesley, Bodie, and Beckett kept him on his toes, even when Parkinson’s disease stole his balance and movement. They will always remember Nana and Papa checking to see that Santa came before barreling down the stairs each Christmas morning, Papa sneaking them a cookie, or playing on the swing set in the backyard and listening to hear the church bells ring.

Billy is predeceased by his parents, and his sisters, Joan Navarra and Roberta Kristopik. He is survived by his sister, Nancy Sarra-Allen and her spouse James Allen; his wife, Debra Sarra; his three beloved girls and their significant others, Nina and Lee Hechenbleikner, Danielle and Ryan McGuire, and Hannah and David Duvall; and four grandchildren, Stella, Wesley, Bodie, and Beckett. He also leaves behind many cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, each of whom he loved deeply and would do anything for.

Calling hours will be held at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Highway, from 4-7 pm, on Friday, March 27, 2026. A Mass in honor of his life will be held at St. Mary Church, 544 Main St., New Britain, at 11 am, on Saturday, March 28, 2026. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.