William J. Connolly

In Wallingford, December 11, 2014, William (Midge) J. Connolly, 93 of New Haven, Meriden, and Wallingford where he passed away peacefully at Masonicare Healthcare Center. He was the beloved husband of 56 years, to June Henry Connolly and the loving father of William J. Connolly Jr, and his wife Sandra, of Cheshire and Jill Anne Pawlowski, and her husband Jay, of Wallingford. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Kelsey and Ryan Connolly, and Jaydeanne and Jacqueline Pawlowski. He was predeceased by a brother, James Connolly, and his sisters, Catherine Connolly, and Mary Tammaro. Mr. Connolly was born July 28, 1921 in New Haven, CT the son of NHFD Capt. William J. Connolly, Sr and Anna Glennon Connolly. Bill proudly served his country and enlisted into the U.S. Navy Seabees with the 82nd Construction Battalion before being drafted during WWII. His battalion was stationed in the South Pacific Islands, primarily on Vella LaVella, OnDonga, and Okinawa. He also served with the 82nd battalion during the Korean War. Prior to his retirement in 1983, he worked for 42 years at the Regional Water Authority (formerly the New Haven Water Company) and also worked part time for numerous years at Burns Security/Wells Fargo Alarms in New Haven. He graduated from Hillhouse High School after attending St. Francis Church grade school, and as a devoted parishioner he volunteered for years on Bingo night and other events at the parish. As a teenager growing up in Fair Haven, he started caddying at the New Haven Municipal Golf Course. Ultimately, he became a accomplished golfer and won numerous tournaments in his younger years. Bill remained active and worked out at the gym, swam whenever possible and continued to play golf until the age of 92. He loved to swim at the beach and spend summers at the Owenego & Thimble Island Beach Club's. He was very proud of his heritage and was a member of the Irish-American Community Club in East Haven. He cherished his wife, children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to watch his grandchildren's events. He will be immensely missed by his family and friends! The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Masonicare's Ramage 3 and also to the staff at The Village of Kensington, your wonderful care and support will forever be remembered and appreciated. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to: The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut P.O. Box 70 Wallingford, CT 06492 or Alzheimer's Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 His Funeral will leave Sisk Brothers Funeral Home 3105 Whitney Ave. Hamden Monday at 9:30 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Francis Church, Ferry St. New Haven. Burial in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday from 3 - 6 p.m.

William J. Connolly

July 28, 1921 - December 11, 2014