Obituary of William Leonard Gault

WESTPORT, CONN William Leonard Gault (Bill), fourth generation of Gault Family Companies, passed away Tuesday, July 30th, 2024. He was in his 90th year. Bill was born on August 12, 1934, son of the late Howard Wheeler Gault and Georgiana Taylor Gault. A lifelong Westport resident, he spent all his days on South Compo Road where he not only grew up but raised his family and lived until his passing. He was married to his beloved wife, Nancy Marsh Gault of Easton for 66 years and will be remembered for his complete devotion to her and their two children, Ginger and Sam. Bill attended Staples High School and served in the Army for two years after graduating in 1952. Upon returning home, he joined the family business, L.H. Gault & Son, which was founded by his Great-Grandfather in 1863. Bill cherished his leadership role as the 4th generation of the family company becoming President in 1980 followed by his supporting role as Chairman of the Board over the past two decades. He was a visionary during his tenure and strengthened the foundation of the Gault businesses through hard work, integrity, a commitment to quality and service, and a workplace built on trust, collaboration and respect. Now in its fifth and sixth generation, the company leadership proudly maintain his guiding principles. Bill was deeply involved in the community he treasured having served for many years on the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees for the Westport Weston Family YMCA, the Board of Westport Bank and Trust and the town Shellfish Commission. He was a longtime Westport Rotarian and a steady supporter of many local organizations. In addition, he was a leader in industry associations New England Fuel Institute and the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association. His many roles over the years reflected his commitment to personal service and paved the way for future generations to hold the same values. Although deeply rooted in Westport, Bill was a world traveler having visited the Arctic region, Antarctica, and everywhere in between with his wife and family. Nothing gave him more joy than to share his love for travel and adventure with those he loved. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the Vermont family home. He was an avid gardener and took great pride in his lawn care and landscaping which kept him active up until his final days. He was known as the family historian having a deep appreciation for his family and Westport history. Bill is survived by his wife Nancy Marsh Gault, daughter Ginger Gault Donaher and husband James Donaher, son Samuel Marsh Gault and wife Nancy R Gault, grandchildren Megan Donaher Ventrella, Meredith Donaher White, Brendan Donaher, Jillian Gault, Ben Gault, great-grandchildren Sadie Ventrella, Grace Ventrella, Margot White, his sister Judy Sterling, nieces Lee Saveliff, Kelly Pollard, Karen Jacobs and their families. Bill was a hardworking, kind-hearted man who lived a life true to himself and had family at his core. He will be remembered by those who loved him for his steadfast devotion and unwavering integrity, his adventurous spirit, his business and community stewardship, and his appreciation for life's simple pleasures. A private graveside service was held in Willowbrook Cemetery, 395 Main Street, Westport in the Family Estate. A Memorial Service is being held Saturday, September 14 at 11 a.m. at Christ & Holy Trinity Church, 75 Church Lane, Westport, CT. In lieu of flowers, a request for charitable memorial donations can be made to The Westport PAL at westportpal.org or a check sent to PO Box 3222, Westport, CT 06880 or the Norwalk Hospital Foundation at nuvancehealth.org or a check sent to 34 Maple Street, Norwalk, CT 06856. The Harding Funeral Home, 210 Post Road East, Westport is in charge of arrangements.