Bill Gault — a 4th generation member of Gault Family Companies, the local firm founded in 1863, and a quiet, devoted and generous contributor to many Westport causes throughout his long life here — died Tuesday, from complications after a fall.
He was 2 weeks shy of his 90th birthday.
William Leonard Gault was born on August 12, 1934, son of the late Howard Wheeler Gault and Georgiana Taylor Gault. He spent all his days on South Compo Road, where he grew up, raised his family and lived until his death.
He was married to Nancy Marsh Gault of Easton for 66 years. They had 2 children, Ginger and Sam.
Bill attended Staples High School. After graduating in 1952, he served in the Army for 2 years.
Bill Gault
After returning home he joined the family business, L.H. Gault & Son, which was founded by his great-grandfather. Bill cherished his leadership role as the 4th generation of the company. He became president in 1980, and spent the past 2 decades as chairman of the board.
Bill’s vision strengthened 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 of leaders, the company proudly maintains his guiding principles.
Bill was deeply involved in the community he treasured. He served for many years on the board of directors and board of trustees for the Westport Weston Family YMCA, Westport Bank & Trust Company, and the Shellfish Commission.
He was a longtime Westport Rotarian, and a steady supporter of many local organizations.
He was also a leader in industry groups, including the New England Fuel Institute and Connecticut Energy Marketers Association.
Although deeply rooted in Westport, Bill was a world traveler. He visited the Arctic, Antarctica, and everywhere in between with his wife and family. He shared his love of travel and adventure with everyone.
He also enjoyed spending time at the Vermont family home.
Bill was an avid gardener. He took great pride in his lawn care and landscaping, which kept him active until his final days.
He was known as the family historian, showing a deep appreciation for his family and Westport history.
Bill is survived by his wife Nancy Marsh Gault; daughter Ginger Gault Donaher (James); son Samuel Gault (Nancy), grandchildren Megan Donaher Ventrella, Meredith Donaher White, Brendan Donaher, Jillian Gault and Ben Gault; great-grandchildren Sadie Ventrella, Grace Ventrella and Margot White; sister Judy Sterling, and nieces Lee Saveliff, Kelly Pollard, Karen Jacobs and their families.
His family says, “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 memorial service will be held Saturday, September 14 (11 a.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Westport PAL (PO Box 3222, Westport, CT 06881), or the Norwalk Hospital Foundation (34 Maple Street, Norwalk CT 06856).
