Obituaries

William Francis Connell, Jr., age 74, of Pittston, passed away peacefully on into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday afternoon, September 3, 2014, after a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Bill graced the lives of the late Dr. William F. and Mary Lawler Connell on September 24, 1939, in Pittston. He graduated from the former St. John the Evangelist High School, class of 1957, before attending the University of Scranton.
Bill’s life was one of dedicated service to his God, his family and friends, his country and his profession. He was a devout member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pittston and, prior to his illness, was a daily attendant at Mass. He was a kind and loving father, husband, grandfather and friend. He served in the Army as a medic, and company clerk at a field hospital in Germany. Bill also served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 109th Infantry in West Pittston.
Bill touched the lives of many people in his chosen profession as a certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, earning him the name of “Serenity Bill.” His words of wisdom helped many to achieve and maintain their sobriety. He retired after 30 years in the position of After Care Specialist.
An avid sports fan, Bill was a fan of both the University of Notre Dame and the Philadelphia Eagles, but he was most loyal to his Philadelphia Phillies. Regardless of their place in the standings, he was a die-hard fan.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Lucille Gilson Connell; his children, Gabriella Falvo of Kingston, Thomas Connell and wife Margaret (Midge) of Moosic, SSG Andrew Connell (Ret) of Pittston, Lt. Col. Mary Connell (Ret.) of Alexandria, Virginia, and Courtney McKitish and husband Eric of Pittston; a daughter-in-law, Ann Connell of Scranton; grandchildren, William and Patrick Connell of Scranton, Rachael and Maria Webb of Kingston and Logan Falvo of Wilkes-Barre; and two great grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were sons, William F. Connell, III, on February 18th, an infant, Thomas; and brother Jeremiah Connell.
His family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to both the nursing staff of Wilkes-Barre General Hospitals C.C.U., as well as Dr. Charles Manganiello for their collective care and compassion.
Funeral services, including military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard, are scheduled to begin on Monday at 8:30AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with a 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William Street in Pittston. Interment, St. John’s Parish Cemetery in Pittston.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Sunday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the donor’s favorite charity.