Obituaries

William (Bill) Francis Connell, III, age 53, of West Scranton, died Tuesday evening at Regional Hospital of Scranton. Wed on November 9, 1991, he is survived by his adoring wife of 22 years, Ann Norton Connell. Born in Pittston on March 3, 1960, son of William, Jr., and Mary (Lucille) Gilson Connell of Pittston, Bill was a 1978 graduate of Scranton Preparatory School before attending the University of Scranton. He worked as an account executive for Hutchins and Hutchins of Scranton. He retired as a Major in rank after 24 years of serving in the Army National Guard, following a legacy of family military service. Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in West Scranton. He was also active in local government, and with numerous clubs and organizations, including the Italian-American Victor Alfieri Society and the Paul “Hook” O’Malley Division 4 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Passing away unexpectedly Tuesday evening, he will be forever missed by all of those who dearly loved him.
He is also survived by his two loving sons, Billy, IV, and Pat Connell, both of Scranton; two brothers, Thomas Connell and wife Margaret (Midge) of Moosic and Andy Connell of Pittston; three sisters, Gabriella Falvo of Pittston, Mary Connell of Alexandria, Virginia, and Courtney McKitish and husband Eric of Pittston; and a nephew, Logan Falvo of Wilkes Barre, and Mariah and Rachel Webb of Pittston.
An infant brother, Thomas, preceded him in death.
Funeral services, with military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard, are scheduled to begin on Saturday at 9:15AM from the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street in Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., President of Scranton Preparatory School. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, on June 2nd at 9:00AM. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, 613 Baltimore Drive, Suite #3, Wilkes Barre, 18702.