William C. Connelly

William C. Connelly, age 82, of West Orange, NJ, formerly of Glen Ridge, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday September 2, 2013. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church 44 Benvenue Avenue, West Orange, NJ, on Saturday September 7, 2013 at 11 AM. Committal will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery East Hanover, NJ. The family will receive their friends at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home 145 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue Livingston, NJ, on Friday September 6, 2013 from 3-8 PM.

A graduate of St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, Bill went on to Fordham University and later graduated from Fordham Law School with a degree in Law. He joined the law firm of Riker Danzig in 1955. He became one of the leading banking, trust and estates attorneys in the state. Bill later became Managing Partner of the firm, and in recent years served in an Of Counsel capacity before his retirement this June.

Bill was best known for his sense of humor, dry wit and storytelling. Being a Master Gardener he spent hours creating beautiful gardens for all to enjoy. As a member of the Glen Ridge CC Bill focused on improving his golf game and was proud to serve as President. Most of all Bill was a loving and devoted husband, father and friend. His passion for life, love and the law will be remembered by all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Mary Louise (Taylor), his devoted children Maida (William Jr.) Bell, Warren (Vivian) Connelly, Maureen (Guy) Harris and Helen (Mario) Scanu, his loving grandchildren Angelica, Christian, Lauren, Aidan, Monica and Kirsten, and his dear sister Mary Jane (James) Cody. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care 95 Old Short Hills Rd West Orange, NJ 07052 or the Sisters of Charity P.O. Box 476 Convent Station, NJ 07961.