William F. Thiessen, 79 of Newtown died Saturday September 30, 2017 in River Glen Healthcare Center, Southbury. Bill was born in Bridgeport on June 20, 1938 a son of the late William F. and Ester B. Thiessen. He grew up and was educated in Stratford. Mr. Thiessen was a graduate of the University of Connecticut and did graduate studies at Marietta School of Engineering. During his working career he was employed by Corning, Westinghouse, Norden Systems and Perkin Elmer working on government contracts in the development of radar for NASA rockets. He later became a physicist in the new field of blood plasma paneling. Previously also of Bethel, Bill was a resident of Newtown for 30 years, and active in the community, serving on the Commission on Aging and the Republican Town Committee. He had been a member of the Newtown Senior Center. Predeceased by his wife, Ann (Cole) Thiessen in 2004, he is survived by his son Keith Thiessen and his longtime companion, Beverly Panettiere of Newtown. He will be remembered as a caring, loving and powerful influence on all who knew him. Funeral services will be held Wednesday October 4, 2017 at 11:00am in the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Bethel. Friends may call at the Honan Funeral Home Wednesday morning after 10:00am prior to the service. To leave an online condolence, visit www.honanfh.com

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