Obituary of William J. Connelly

William J. Connelly, 54, of Niskayuna died tragically on Monday, November 15, in an automobile accident. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Alison (nee Belliveau); their children Jack, Allie and Patrick Connelly; father Daniel Connelly of Scotia; sisters Kelly (Dean) Snyder of Malta, and Kimberly (Buddy) Watson of Alplaus; in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, dozens of cousins and multitudes of friends who truly loved him. Bill is predeceased by his mother Mary (Kelly) Connelly. Bill grew up in Scotia where he attended the Scotia-Glenville public schools. As a youngster, he played Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. At Scotia-Glenville High School, he was an honors student and worked on the school yearbook. Bill zealously participated in sports whether it be gracing the SGHS gymnasium floor as captain of the basketball team (Go Tartans!), captaining the golf team, playing pick-up basketball, football or tennis at Collins Park, or pursuing perfection on the fairways and greens of Schenectady Municipal golf course. Billy amazingly seemed to effortlessly traverse all of the social groups. He was accepted by and talked deeply with almost everyone with whom he came into contact. He could party with the best of them and one couldn't ask for a more loyal and devoted friend. After graduating in 1985, Bill went to Bentley College in Waltham, MA, and graduated with a B.S. in business. After a few years in the corporate world, he established his own independent marketing, labeling and printing fulfillment business which he ran from his home office. There, he worked alongside his adoring wife Alison. This allowed Bill and Alison to always be there for their children who meant everything to Bill. Outside of four-years at Bentley College (Waltham, MA) and a very brief stint living in Albany immediately thereafter, Bill was a lifelong Schenectady County resident. He was an ardent sports fan, avid student of history, and zealous golfer who recently got his first hole-in-one. He also took great pride in maintaining his home and yard for his family. Bill enjoyed annual vacations with the full Connelly Clan in Speculator, NY and with his immediate family in Gloucester, MA. Closer to home, he could often be found setting goals for himself and inspiring others at Infinity Athletics and Stoney's Irish Grill. Funeral service Saturday Morning 10:30 at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1803 Union St., Niskayuna, NY where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours Friday, November 19, 2021, 4-8 at the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady, NY 12304. Interment Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery Niskayuna NY 12309. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Suite 1 Latham, NY 12110 and Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany , NY 12205 To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.