William "Bill" Connick, the youngest child of Robert and Frances Connick, was born and raised in Berkeley, California. He was a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Director of the Center for Biosensors and Chemical Sensors at the University of Cincinnati. He was regarded as an outstanding scientist, educator, mentor and colleague.
Bill was also the devoted father of Oliver and George (9 and 6 years old) and the loving husband of Marcelle. It was important to Bill to spend time with his sons. He made up math problems for Oliver and tutored George on his numbers and letters. Bill could be very silly as well as serious, and loved playing, joking and goofing around with Marcelle and the boys.
In the summertime, Bill enjoyed camping with his extended family in Northern California. In his 20s, he began a long-term project to plant redwood trees at the family campground, braving poison oak and blackberry bushes to plant seedlings and nurturing them over many years. These trees have grown tall and broad, providing shade for the camp and constitute a legacy that is cherished by his family.
Bill earned his B.A. in Chemistry from Williams College in 1988, M.A. in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge in 1992, and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology in 1997. He performed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Rochester and then joined the faculty of the University of Cincinnati in 1998. He received a Beckman Young Investigator Award (2001-2004) and a National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2002-2007) for his research focused on cooperative two-electron transfer reactions. He was named an IUPAC Young Observer in 2009, the Cincinnati Section of the American Chemical Society Chemist of the Year in 2014, and Visiting Scholar at the Université de Bordeaux in 2015.
Bill's research impacted diverse areas of science. He was a world expert in multielectron photophysics for energy sustainability. He also developed sensors for the measurement of different targets such as pollutants in ground water and tracing the source of radioactive pollutants in nuclear forensics.
Bill's contributions to science and the education that he provided to the students working with him on these projects will continue to have an impact on our world. Students regarded Bill as an inspirational lecturer in the classroom – funny, enthusiastic, dedicated, and extremely knowledgeable. Bill was awarded a 2018 Faculty Excellence Award for exceptional performance.
Bill is survived by his wife, Marcelle, his sons, George and Oliver, his four sisters – Mary, Liz, Megan and Sarah – and his brother, Arthur.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from May 25 to May 27, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for William Connick

14 Entries

One of many former graduate students.

April 21, 2025

It has been seven years, now. I still miss my advisor. I remember meeting him in the spring of 2001 as a prospective graduate student. I'd pretty much decided on UC, based on some other's work. But Bill very energetic and extremely excited about his research project. I was supposed to meet with him for 30 minutes. We talked about the various angles of his two-electron transfer research for 45 until we realized we were way over our time.
I was supposed to visit a different university three weeks later. I informed my wife over dinner that evening there was not point in going anywhere else. My decision had been made during that 45 minute discussion. The fantastic results of that 45 minute meeting reverberate in my life 24 years later. Years after I received by Ph.D., Bill was always ready to answer questions that came up in my research and honestly critique my ideas (no one could eliminate confirmation bias like Bill!) He is the reason that I got interested in (and now research) photophysics and photochemistry. The two courses I took in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry with him were the most difficult but rewarding courses I ever took. He always asked after my family. My respect for him as a scientist remains undimmed, and he is greatly missed.
A former graduate student.

a peson trying to be as good as Bill

April 23, 2023

The best colleague and friend that I could ask for. I miss you so much Bill.

Debbie Trauth

May 19, 2022

Dr. Connick was so very instrumental in my daughter and son in law's pursuit in their Ph D Chemistry. They have for filled their ambitions and hold positions as CFO and head of design in Untold Content. Bill was not only their professor, but a dear friend.
He influence will never be forgotten.

Martin Worrall

April 28, 2022

Bill and I double majored in Physics and Chemistry together at Williams. He was an awesome, hardworking guy with a great mind. Rest in peace.

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IWC

April 14, 2021

We miss you, Bill. And thank you to the anonymous writer who wrote about the bench last March. It does command a gorgeous view and Bill was very charming, funny, generous, and kind. Rest in peace, dear William.

March 15, 2020

Hello. I never met William and only learned of his name a few days ago. For 25 years I have walked regularly up in the Berkeley Hills and just the other evening came upon what to me was the new bench, placed in William's honor with his commemorative plaque. I sat upon his bench, taking some quiet time of a magical East Bay evening and, with the sun at my back, was treated to the gorgeous views of glistening San Pablo Dam reservoir. Beyond it, the gentle rolling hills of another East Bay treasure, Briones State Park and, to the south east, Mt Diablo rising majestically and reflecting the peaceful and pink evening light. I wanted to extend my thanks to those that placed the bench and to let you know that it occupies a beautiful space and represents a very welcome opportunity to reflect and appreciate the beauty of the East Bay. If this bench and it's view is anything to go by, I imagine William to be a charming, generous and kind person. I offer my condolences to you and my thanks again for your wonderful gift to a stranger and I'm sure a very fitting memorial. With kind regards, John.

July 9, 2018

An extraordinary man. An extraordinary loss.

- student

June 21, 2018

Miss you, buddy.

I. G.

June 6, 2018

I was truly devastated upon hearing of the tragic news. I was shocked to say the least. During the Fall semester at UC, Dr. Connick was my inorganic chemistry professor; and on the first day I knew that this would be a class that I would enjoy very much. He would keep the mood light with his stories and jokes, but made sure that his students had a firm grasp on the material being taught. What an extraordinary and kind person. He would always return my smile and greeting with an even bigger smile and warm "Hi." My sincerest condolences to his family.

May 27, 2018

I am an ordinary American who did not know this accomplished man; however, when I read his obituary I felt tremendous loss for the Family of Man. Hopefully, his work for all of us will be continued and that his sons someday will carry on his legacy. My condolences to his family.

Patricia W.

San Rafael CA

RW, North Carolina

May 26, 2018

With heartfelt sympathy to the Connick family. May fond memories of your loved one be as a soothing blanket over your heart. Please consider Hosea 13:14 and John 6:40. May those words of promise bring you some consolation and a small measure of peace.

Debbie Trauth

May 26, 2018

Today with great sadness we reflect on Dr. Connick and his profound influence on his students, their families, and the scientific world. His love and guidance will truly be missed. As the mother and mother-in-law of two of his graduate students I know he was one of the main reasons for their success in the profession and personal growth. Praying for all of his family, friends and associates.

May 26, 2018

I am truly sorry for your loss. May the he God of comfort give you peace and strength during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11.

May 25, 2018

I am truly sorry for your family's loss. May the God of comfort give you peace and strength during this difficult time.
-M.H.

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