William F. Connolly (SP 6, U.S. ARMY RET.) a 25 year resident of Melrose and formerly of Charlestown and Malden, died on Monday, July 25, 2011 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital in Melrose following an extended illness. He was 83 years old.
William was born in Boston on July 6, 1928 to the late Michael and Mary (Gorham) Connolly. He grew up in Charlestown where he attended Boston Public Schools and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1946. He enlisted into the United States Army on July 31, 1946 and was discharged on May 12, 1949 with the rank of Corporal. He re-enlisted in the Army on November 23, 1949 and served till November 27, 1952 with the rank of Corporal. He again re-enlisted into the Army on November 28, 1952 and served till October 1, 1967 when he was discharged with the rank of Specialist Six after 20 years of serving his country proudly and honorably during World War II, The Korean Conflict and The Vietnam Conflict. Willie was a member of The Cronin Club of Charlestown and enjoyed watching the Patriots.
William is the beloved companion of 31 years to Doris Sullivan of Melrose. He is the devoted father of Rose Connolly of Everett. He is the loving Papa to Ryan Dromgoole of Chicago, Illinois. He is the favorite Uncle Willy to many nieces and nephews and a beloved and devoted friend to all of Doris's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend William's Funeral on Friday, July 29, 2011 at 9 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main St. Melrose followed by his Funeral Mass in The Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield at 10 a.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, July 28, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m.