William Joseph Connellan Sr

CONNELLAN, WILLIAM JOSEPH, SR. William Joseph Connellan, Sr., age 76, resident of Spring Lake, NJ, and formerly of Bronxville, NY, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 11, 2005, peacefully at his home, surrounded by his devoted family. Born on October 4, 1928, Bill was raised in Riverdale, New York, by his parents, Thomas and Ann Connellan, he was the fourth of eight children. Educated at Saint Margaret's Church Grammar School and Cardinal Hayes High School, he completed his studies at New York University with a degree in business. Mr. Connellan served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon his return, he worked for The Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City, becoming a vice-president and retiring after 30 years of employment there. He was also a past president of the American Institute of Banking in New York City. After retiring from the bank, he went on to work at his wife's family business, Park Benziger Distributors in Westchester, New York and retired in 1995. He was a communicant of St. Catharine's Church in Spring Lake, NJ and of St. Joseph's Church in Bronxville, NY. Bill was an avid golfer and reader and wonderful grandfather. "Pop" as he was known to his grandchildren, always had a big hug and kiss ready at every greeting. "Handyman extraordinaire" to all his relatives' homes, he took his daily break at Joe's Deli in Spring Lake, surrounded by his buddies. Mr. Connellan is survived by his wife Nancyle Benziger Connellan, and his three sons: William J. Connellan, Jr. and his wife Tracy of Wall, NJ; J.P. Connellan and his wife Nora of Sea Girt, NJ; and Thomas J. Connellan and his wife Kara of Cazenovia, NY and his seven grandchildren, Kiley, Kathleen, Tyler, T.J., Hunter, Jake and Courtney. Mr. Connellan had seven siblings, he was predeceased by his sister Miriam, and is survived by his brother, Father Thomas Connellan, C.S.P., and his five sisters; Sister Ann Connellan S.C., Helene O'Neill, Angela Murphy, Mary Dougherty and Liz McGharen. Funeral service Monday, May 16, 2005 at 10:30 am from the O'Brien Funeral Home, Hwy. 35 at New Bedford Rd., Wall, NJ followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at St. Catharine's RC Church, Spring Lake, NJ. Visitation on Sun. from 4-8 pm only. Interment St. Catharine's Cemetery, Sea Girt, NJ. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Spring Lake Fire Co. #1, 5th & Warren Ave., Spring Lake, NJ 07762.