William E. “Billy” Connelly
Wednesday, September 16, 1942
Date of Death:
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Age:
82 years old
William E. “Billy” Connelly
William E. (Billy) Connelly passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at St. Marys Hospital. He was born on September 16, 1942, in Rochester, MN to Paul and Myrle Connelly and was one of nine children raised on the farm.
He graduated from Lourdes High School in 1960 and went on to join the Army National Guard for six years. He returned to farming life with his brothers for many years with a love of the land. Bill married Linda Allen on August 17, 1974. They were married for eighteen years and have two children, Kari and Christopher. Eventually, he left farming and joined the Local 34 Heat and Frost Insulators Union for twenty plus years.
He married Dorothy Carpenter on March 17, 2000. Retired at age 70. He was a long-standing member of the Byron American Legion. Bill was a true Irishman who loved to laugh and tell jokes. He had many stories to share. He was generous with his time, always giving and caring with a big heart.
Bill adored his grandchildren and loved time spent with them, especially going to DQ for ice cream. He spent his remaining years helping family, friends, and neighbors. Enjoyed driving his convertible along with going to the river and boating. He had a love for life and people he met along the way. If you didn’t know Bill Connelly when he entered the room, you knew him when he left.
He is survived by his children Kari (Jeremy) Bassett and Christopher (Elizabeth) Connelly, step-children Mike (Linda) Carpenter, Laura (Eric) Sufka, Jennifer Carpenter (Steve), five grandchildren Ean Bassett, Abigail Bassett, Braeden Bassett, Aidan Connelly and Kennedy Connelly, seven step-grandchildren Hailey Blaschko, Grace Carpenter, Isabelle Carpenter, William Carpenter, Ayla Sufka, Hudson Sufka, and Lincoln Sufka, two sisters Mary Ann (Terry) Schaefer, Sharon (Brian) Utley and brother Jim (Marilyn) Connelly. Sisters-in-law Jacquie, Karen, and Nancy.
He was preceded in death by five brothers, Jerry, John, Joe, Paul, and Bob and sister-in-law Margaret. His wife Dorothy passed away on December 21, 2024. Bill and Dorothy were married for 24 years.
Memorial service will be held 11 am Thursday, January 2, 2025 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester. Visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of the service. The burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.
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I am sorry to hear of your loss. My memories of Billy go way back to the old country school I think it was called district 26. If there was some “ special activity “ happening you can bet Billy was involved. Such a fun loving guy always smiling.
I didn't know Bill well only talked with him 3 times when he was visiting his grandchildren and making repairs at Chris and Liz's home. But the little time I spoke with him he was kind, funny and totally taken with his granddaughter Kennedy and she the same. Everyone spoke highly of him and he was a great father as his son Chris is a chip off the ole block. I pray for his family and remember he'll always be with you!
I worked with Bill in the Heat and Frost Insulators trade. I was 12 years younger than Bill and always thought I was the hardest worker in the union. Then I meet Mr. Connelly. First guy I ever worked with that could put me in the dirt, He could outwork, out hustle kids 40 years his junior, and did it like it was nothing. He was a tools on foreman and after he got his crew working he put on his tools on and went to work, never one to make his brothers do all the crap jobs. Bill would have an apprentice do a menial, dirty job one day only to tell the apprentice He would be doing it tomorrow. Bill was one of a kind, a man that was true to his word. Bill had the respect and honor of all his coworkers. I consider it an honor and privilege to have worked with him. I hope to see him in that big boiler room in the sky. I love you friend. Dave Dingley
I moved next door to Bill & Dorothy two years ago. Bill was an absolute charmer. He had an amazing smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was always ready to lend a hand with any project. I am grateful to have had to opportunity to know him. He will be missed. He loved life to the fullest.
I am sorry about the loss of your dad Kari & Christopher. Any time is hard but Christmas time is especially hard. My prayers & thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Bill and Dorothy were longtime across-the-street neighbors and friends of my parents, Tom and Jeanne Dacy. This friendship continued when my wife, Lea, and I bought my parents' townhouse and lived with my mom after Dad died. Bill was ever-helpful and friendly. He assisted us with projects and went the extra mile as an officer of our townhome association. I had many enjoyable visits with Bill and always appreciated his devotion to his family. He had a positive attitude and a twinkle in his eye. Dorothy was so kind and thoughtful. Blessings to their memory.