Wells River, VT-  William O. Schilke, 64, of Water Street, died unexpectedly at his home on Friday, January 15, 2021.

Bill was born in Waterbury, CT on October 31, 1956 to Robert E. and Catherine (Norris) Schilke.  He was a graduate of Nagutuck (CT) High School, Class of 1974, then received his Associates Degree in Behavioral Sciences from Nagutuck Valley Community College in 1976.

Prior to moving to Vermont, Bill served as a Nagutuck police officer.  In the Upper Valley, he had worked in human services.

Currently, he was the head trustee for the Village of Wells River and was instrumental in obtaining funding for their recent water project.  He was a member of the Caledonia Forest and Stream Club.

In  his spare time, he enjoyed shooting, snowmobiling, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.  He was an ardent supporter of BMU sports and loved watching cross country and basketball.  Mostly, he and his wife, Mary, were known for walking their dogs through Wells River and Woodsville.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (Furs) Schilke of Wells River; two sons, Frederick Schilke and wife Jessica of South Ryegate, VT and David Schilke and partner Erin Berg of Catskill, NY; three grandchildren, Jacob Schilke, Reese Sanborn, and Addison Sanborn; and his mother, Catherine Norris of Waterbury, CT.

He was predeceased by his father, Robert E. Schilke and his sister, Linda Boucher.

No services are being planned at this time.