CONNOLLY, WILLIAM S. Jr. "Billy" of Walpole passed away suddenly on May 26, 2026, at the age of 89. Beloved husband of the late Mary E. (Kinsman) Connolly. Devoted father of Christine M. Libby and her husband Arthur of Walpole, Noreen F. Kostka and her husband Kenneth of N. Falmouth and Maribeth C. Hughes and her husband Steven of Foxboro. Brother of the late Thomas Connolly and Noreen B. Connolly. Brother-in-law of Frederick Kinsman and his wife Michele of Medford. Cherished grandfather of Sarah Libby, Meghan Libby, Molly Kostka, Ryan Hughes and Aidan Hughes. Also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Son of the late William S. and Nora (Connolly) Connolly.

Billy’s life was defined by his love for his family and his incredible work ethic. He met the love of his life, Mary Kinsman, at Norwood Hospital. He was a patient recovering from a broken collar bone and Mary was his nurse. They were happily married for 53 years until Mary’s passing in 2017. Billy was a loving father and grandfather and was happiest when he was surrounded by his family during holidays, or spending many fun-filled nights with his friends; forever the host and quick to tell a story or offer a “smile” (whiskey & ginger ale). Bill also enjoyed gathering with his friends on Sunday nights and treasured the memory of their trip to Ireland. It was a vacation for the ages that was marked by laughter, much shopping and raucous nights at the local pubs. After Mary’s passing, Billy’s resilience was evident as he soon mastered various household tasks including perfecting his recipe for macaroni salad.

Billy’s long career started at a young age. He could be found helping out around his grandfather’s farm or plowing roads well before he had a license to drive. He still had the first dollar he earned from helping his father tar a road when he was six years old. After graduating from Norwood High School, he briefly attended Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston before starting his own business. Billy was the proud owner of Connolly Equipment Corporation. He enjoyed regaling his friends and family with his involvement in the construction of most buildings and roads in Norfolk County and the greater Boston area. He could back his 18-wheeler out of a winding parking garage with precision or maneuver his truck into the tightest of spots with ease. His plowing skills were epic and the Blizzard of ’78 and the many storms that followed were no match for Bill. He loved to drive his truck, but he also had such a long career because he valued the friendships he made along the way, most recently while working for Lorusso Corporation in Walpole. It was with great reluctance that Bill finally retired, a true “Legend”, at the age of 88 after a 70 year career “trucking for America”.

Billy’s one hobby was gardening. Between May and October, you could always find him in his garden (when not at work). He took great pride in his yard (especially outdoing himself each year with his Christmas exterior illumination) and loved growing tomatoes and other vegetables. His vegetable garden seemed to grow in size each year; it wasn’t unusual for him to plant 50 plus tomato plants. His last weekend was spent planting tomatoes and flowers with his sun hat on his head and a smile on his face.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 8:30-10:00am at the Kraw Kornack Funeral Home 1248 Washington St. Norwood, MA 02062. A funeral mass will be held immediately following visiting hours at 10:30am at St. Timothy’s Church, Norwood, MA. Burial will follow the funeral mass at St. Francis Cemetery, Walpole, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Billy’s memory to the American Cancer Society (American Cancer Society).