Bill was born in Short Hills, New Jersey on December, 28, 1938 to William James Connolly, Sr and Margaret (Coughlan) Connolly. He graduated from St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick, NJ where he was a member of the undefeated 1957 football team. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts from Seton Hall University and then earned his MD from the New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Barnabas in Livingston, NJ.
Bill served as an OBGYN in the United States Navy for 5 years in Oakland, CA and Rota, Spain. He and his wife Paula and their 4 children moved to Centerville, MA in 1974. Bill established his medical practice in Hyannis and practiced there for 30 years. Bill served in many leadership positions including Chief of Staff for the Cape Cod Hospital. Bill was instrumental in establishing the Cape Cod Hospital Breast Cancer Center.
Bill was an active parishioner at Our Lady of Victory and volunteered with the Cancer Support Group, music and education ministries, and served as a Eucharistic minister.
Bill loved sailing and exploring Nantucket Sound. He was an avid golfer, reader, and above all enjoyed spending time with his family and his six grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Paula Queenan Connolly of Centerville, MA; sister Phyllis M. Connolly of Nippomo, CA, sister and brother-in-law Tricia and Drew Van Dam of Flanders, NJ; daughter AnnaMarie Connolly of Arlington, VA; his son and daughter-in-law Bill and Sarah Connolly of Weston, MA; his son and daughter-in-law Patrick and Christine Connolly of Irvine; CA; his son and daughter-in-law Dan and Valerie Connolly of Chester, NJ; and his grandchildren Laine, Patrick Michael, Trevor, Kate, Will, and Abby Connolly.
A wake will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 4:00-8:00pm at Doane, Beal, and Ames, at 160 West Main St, Hyannis, MA, 02601. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Victory Church in Centerville, MA.
Family and friends are invited to share comments and reflections at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/hyannis-ma/william-connolly-10614649
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Our Lady of Victory Cancer Support Group at the following link: https://olvparish.churchgiving.com/ws/opportunities/Special
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