William T. “Butch” Connor, Jr., 93, a Battle of the Bulge survivor, passed away peacefully in the early morning of January 20th, at the Millbury Health Care Center. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Helen (Dagilis) Connor; his brother, Francis Connor; his sisters, Mary Powers and Margaret “Peg” Noone, his son Kelly, and two grandchildren, William and Kerry.
He was born in Worcester, the son of William T. and Mary (Dunphy) Connor and graduated from Classical High School in 1940, where he was an exemplary student, class president, editor of the newspaper, aspiring poet, and star athlete. Butch earned a full scholarship to St. Anselm College. Upon returning home, he met his wife, whom he married in 1944, and then entered the Army during World War II. He worked for the City of Worcester for over 50 years in many capacities, retiring as head supervisor for the Worcester Public Schools.
Bill leaves a daughter, Nancy Gilmartin of Toronto, ON, Canada; a son, William of Oakham; a daughter, Margaret “Peg” Fedyk and her husband Michael of Worcester. Margaret and her children, Jennifer, Kaitlin, Ashley, and Michael were his constant companions. He is also survived by three other grandchildren; Alison, Ryan, and Jillian, a great granddaughter Annabelle, and many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. He was looking forward to the birth of his great granddaughter, Lilyani.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Millbury Health Care Center and the Veteran’s Administration for the compassion and care shown to Bill.
Calling hours are Friday, January 23rd from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. His funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 24th, in Sacred Heart- St. Catherine of Sweden Church, 600 Cambridge Street (Please go directly to Church). Burial in St. John’s Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.