William (Bill) Connolly
September 14, 1938 – December 05, 2020
Passed peacefully away on December 5, 2020, William (Bill) Connolly of Flatrock, at the age of 82 years.
Predeceased by his parents, Fred and Elizabeth Connolly, and son, Todd Connolly. Leaving to mourn his loving wife of 55 years, Josephine (Martin), devoted daughter Tracy (Terry Humber), treasured grandchildren Courtney Tapper-Connolly (Jon Codner), Terri Lynn Humber (Justin Hickey), Tyler Humber, and great-granddaughter Nora Codner.
Leaving behind with fond and loving memories his sister Mercedes Escott (Ed), sister-in-law Anna Rohrbach (Bob), sister-in-law Maureen Martin, brother-in-law Jimmy Martin (Meredith, deceased), brother-in-law & special friend Gus Martin (Jennie), cousins Maud O’Keefe and Angela Wall, good friend Norman Langmead and many cherished nieces, nephews and numerous friends.
A teacher for 31 years, Bill was an admired educator, and mentor to many students he taught at Holy Cross and St. Pius X School. He especially loved seeing old students and colleagues in retirement.
Many in the sporting community consider Bill to be one of the finest ambassadors in our province for the sport of basketball. A highly regarded forward with St. Pat’s, Holy Cross and Memorial, he was enshrined into the St. John’s Basketball Hall of Fame as a player-builder in 1987. However, it was his work as a floor official where he left his true mark on the game.
In an officiating career that spanned decades, Bill officiated at every level – locally, provincially and nationally. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious J. A. Wink Wilcox award of merit for his dedication and contribution to officiating. This award held special significance, as he became the first official from our province to be presented with this national honour. Bill was equally proud to be the first official to be inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Basketball Association Hall of Fame in 1999. Today, his legacy as an official is recognized through the “Bill Connolly Rookie of the Year Award”, given to a first-year provincial referee who demonstrates the potential, commitment, and interest in developing as a floor official.
Bill often said he officiated how he played – and that earned him the respect of players, coaches and colleagues. Considered colourful and fair on the court, Bill enjoyed officiating the game he loved.
We hope Bill will be remembered as someone who made a valued difference in the lives of the people he encountered as a teacher, coach, athlete, mentor, community leader, and most of all, a friend.
Visitation will take place at Caul’s Funeral Home in Torbay on Tuesday, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00 9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will occur on Wednesday at St. Michael’s Church in Flatrock at 1:00 p.m. Interment at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Flatrock. Both the visitation and funeral service will adhere to Covid-19 restrictions. For those wishing to attend virtually, the service will be live streamed through the Facebook page: Holy Trinity, St. Agnes & St. Michael’s Parishes. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations to Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, Flatrock or a kind deed for someone in need in Bill’s memory would also be appreciated.
2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de William Bill Connolly 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Torbay, Province: T-N