Many Westporters knew Bill Kashetta as a great and generous carpenter, always willing to help with his expertise and a smile. He always charged his friends less than the going rate — and everyone was his friend.
Many Westporters also knew Bill Kashetta as an avid fisherman and golfer.
Generations of Westporters knew him as a coach. He helped start the Westport PAL basketball program, and was a member of the Staples High School boys basketball staff for several years.
But unless you were a native Westporter, you probably did not know that Bill Kashetta was one of Staples’ greatest all-time athletes. He starred in 3 sports — football, basketball and baseball — as a member of the Class of 1970.
Big, fast and talented, he thrilled Wrecker fans with his athleticism, competitive spirit and toughness.
Bill Kashetta died last week at Connecticut Hospice, after a 2-year battle with lung cancer. He was 67.
Bill Kashetta, at Staples High School’s Class of 1970 35th reunion. (Photo/Mark Smollin)
Tributes to his fun, outgoing personality and indomitable spirit poured in on social media.
He is survived by his wife Deirdre; sons David and Daniel; daughter-in-law Sarah; 3 grandchildren; his father Charles; brothers, Chuck, Mike and Tom, and a niece and nephew. He was predeceased by his mother, Jean.
A memorial mass will be held at a later date.
Former teammate Steve Baumann sends this newspaper clipping of Bill Kashetta, leaping high to grab a rebound.
