Obituary of William Woodrow Saltzman

William Woodrow Saltzman of Madison, Connecticut, originally from Mount Ayr in Ringgold County, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2021. "Bill" Saltzman was born June 1, 1938, the first child to W.W. "Woody" and Carmen Sarah Saltzman. Originally a farming family, Woody transitioned into the insurance business mid-century, and young Bill followed in his father's successful footsteps. After graduating from Drake University in Des Moines, Bill won Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Distinguished Salesman Award for 1965 in the state of Iowa. Bill's career and life eventually carried him to Illinois, Washington, California and finally Connecticut. Bill's passions were people, pets, and family. Bill loved all dogs, and all dogs loved Bill. Give Bill a long-eared Basset Hound to chew up his shoes, and Bill was in love (and so was the Basset Hound!) Surely Bill is petting Hubert, Beazley, and Dudley, among others, now. Bill had a way with people, which was reflected not only in his success as a businessman, but also in his last days of life. At his care center in Chester CT, his gregarious nature earned him the title of "Mayor of Aaron Manor." The Saltzman family loves to eat, and Bill was the grill master of the get-together. Don't worry about the meat, just handle the sides; whatever was on the Weber charcoal grill, Bill's got it cooked to perfection. Oh, and don't forget about dessert. Wherever he lived, Bill had a special relationship with friendly neighborhood donut and ice cream vendors. He knew the best donuts in town and loved to visit with shop owners and fellow donut aficionados. When Bill lived in Newport Beach, CA, near Balboa Island, he made sure everyone tried a world famous "Balboa" ice cream bar. Forever in love with his children, Bill always tried with a Dad's might to make them laugh. Bill's sense of humor shined most when he was making up words or phrases or pet names for people or pets. Names like "Doozer," phrases like "be-sing weird" and "luv ya, luv ya" were familiar to all of his kids. "You OK, bud?" was his constant query on long distance phone calls. Bill Saltzman is survived by his sister, Ginger Holmes, and her husband, Bill Holmes; his five children: Mark, Sandy Soria, David, Kate Merkent, and Nick; as well as eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations in Bill’s name be sent to Liberty Community Services of New Haven, https://www.libertycs.org/ To share a memory of Bill or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com Arrangements by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook. Luv ya, luv ya.