William Francis Connolly

Chicopee-  William F. "Billy" Connolly, a longtime resident of Chicopee, passed away on Tuesday, August 17. 2021, at the age of 87.  Born in Newton, MA, one of three sons to the late George and Marguerite (McNeil) Connolly, Billy was a graduate of Cathedral High School, and went on to enlist in the United States Navy on the same day he graduated from Cathedral.  Billy served in the Navy for 4 years during the Korean War, before being honorably discharged.  When he returned home, he was employed as a sheet metal worker and later was a team leader with the former Rexnord Company, in Chicopee.  Billy was a member of the Knight of Columbus Council 69 and the American Legion, as well a dedicated parishioner and volunteer at Holy Name Church.  He also liked to watch films on World War II and the History channel, and cook for the family.  Billy is survived by his brothers, Bernard and John Connolly, a nephew James Connolly, nieces Carol Gaines and Gail Paige, as well as his great-nieces, Shannon and Caitlin Connolly, Elizabeth and Natalie Gaines, and a great-nephew, Steven Paige.  A committal service, complete with military honors, will be held at 3pm, on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam.  Corridan Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements.  To share a memory or leave your condolences for the family, please visit www.CorridanFuneral.com