William (“Bill”) Patrick Connery, formerly of Huntington, NY; Tampa, FL; and Skillman, NJ, peacefully entered eternal rest on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. He is now reunited with his beloved wife of 58 years, Marlene (Jacobsen) Connery, whose partnership defined his life.

Above all, Bill was a devoted husband and a loving father. He took great pride in the family he and Marlene raised together: Thomas (wife Elisabeth), James (wife Althea), MaryAnn (husband Daniel Shea), and Patricia (husband Thomas DuCharme). Nothing brought Bill greater joy than time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom he regarded as his greatest legacy. His cherished eleven grandchildren—Meghan (husband, Brandon Coles), Ryan, Patrick (wife Michelle), Matthew, Conor, Gregory, William, Andrew, Kelly, Christopher, and Erin—and admired five great-grandchildren: Brigid, Emma, Kayleigh, Mackenzie, and Cassie.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, to Patrick and Bridget Connery, Bill grew up in Rockville Centre, Long Island. He graduated from South Side High School and went on to pursue higher education with remarkable determination, earning degrees from Lehigh University, Columbia University, and completing advanced doctoral studies at New York University. His lifelong love of learning informed not only his professional life, but also the thoughtful, measured way he approached the world.

Bill enjoyed an accomplished career with the United States Chamber of Commerce, where he held senior leadership roles. After retirement, he remained engaged as Director of Seminar Programs with the Institute of Management Studies before relocating with his wife, Marlene, to Homosassa, Florida.

Service to country, church, and community was central to Bill’s life. He served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War and remained a steadfast supporter of veterans throughout his life. A deeply civic-minded individual, Bill gave generously of his time to strengthen community life. He continued his civic commitment to support and honor veterans as President of the Aston Garden Veterans Association in Tampa, where he led fundraising efforts to support wounded veterans through Operation Helping Hand and the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.

A devout Catholic, Bill was deeply involved in his parishes and lived his faith quietly but consistently as a 4th-degree Knight of Columbus. He was described as unfailingly kind, patient, and respectful. Bill also knew how to enjoy life. A lifelong boater, he treasured time on the water with family on the Long Island Sound and lakes in upstate New York. He loved travel, conversation, and visits with friends, always greeting people with genuine warmth and curiosity. His optimism and courage stayed with him through every season of life. He will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

The family will receive friends at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, on Sunday, April 26, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 184 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge. Burial will follow at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury, New York. For those that would like to view the funeral mass but cannnot attend in person, please click the link at the time of the scheduled funeral to watch the mass livestreamed. https://iframe.dacast.com/live/aa0e66fd-a945-38a2-0814-8aea9a687c8d/579b9b46-5980-4a67-9dea-47a8f737a2e8

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Bill’s memory to Operation Helping Hand, supporting wounded veterans and their families: https://operationhelpinghandtampa.com/donation/