William Banks “Bill” Burleigh, 68, of Bedford, New Hampshire and Mims, Florida, passed away Monday (December 21, 2015) in Melbourne, FL surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born in Hartford, Bill graduated from Berlin High School class of 1965 and was a US Navy veteran serving in the Vietnam Conflict. He was an accomplished writer by trade, for an advertising agency, and was proud to serve as a speech writer and campaign organizer for George W. Bush. In his free time, Bill was a NASCAR Sponsor for the NCWTS team Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing. He loved boating, fishing, camping, traveling and riding his motorcycles. He also had a passion for mentoring others as he became the National Speaker and member of AA for twenty years, trying to change lives for the better.
Surviving Bill is his previous wife and current companion Earlene Rowell Burleigh of Mims, FL; daughter Angelea “Lea” Burleigh of Bedford, NH; three sons, Scott Burleigh of Manchester, NH, William Burleigh Jr. of New Haven, CT, and Mark Burleigh and his wife Maryann of North Haven, CT; two grandsons, Justin and Aaron Burleigh; a brother, George “Jock” Burleigh Jr of Playa Del Ray, CA. Bill was predeceased by a brother John Burleigh III.
Funeral services for Bill were held on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at St. Elizabeth Seton Church 190 Meetinghouse Rd. Bedford, NH 03110. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made to the Hole In The Wall Gang Camp, 555 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT 06511. Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain, CT is assisting the family with arrangements.