William E. Connell, President and operator of the William E. Connell Roofing Company in Needham died on Friday April 20th at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham. He was 74 years old. Born in Boston, Bill grew up in Allston. He started his roofing company in the Allston are in 1956 and moved to Needham with his family in 1965. Bill will be remembered for his dedication to his family and his strong work ethic. The beloved husband of Patricia A. (O’Brien), he was the father of William V. and his wife Kendra Connell of Holliston, Lisa M. and her husband Gene Merullo Jr. of Watertown, Brenda L. and her husband Randy Schmall of Franklin and Kathleen J. Cronin of Norfolk. Brother of Lorraine Visco, Barbara Leone and Cheryl McDonald all of Watertown and Phyllis Malloy of Roslindale. Grandfather of 11 grandchildren and the late Leanne Schmall. Funeral from the Eaton Funeral Home 1351Highland Ave Needham on Wednesday April 25 at 9:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Church at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours on Tuesday from 4-8 PM. Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Franklin. In lieu of flowers donations in Bill’s name may be made to the Smile train, 245 fifth Ave, Suite 2201, New York, NY 10016.