×

William F. “Bill” McConnell

William F. “Bill” McConnell, 82, of Williamsport, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 10, 1942 in Williamsport, he was the son of Robert A. McConnell and Louise (Clark) McConnell. He married his high school sweetheart, Judy F. Harris on February 2, 1963.

Bill was a graduate of Jersey Shore High School class of 1960. He furthered his education at Malone College (University) where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, at William and Mary with a Master of Arts in Biology (Neuroscience), and as a Doctoral Candidate (ABD) in Zoology/Ecology at Penn State University; he then continued with a Master of Science in Information and Academic Library Systems at Drexel University while working as a Programmer/Analyst for the Hagerty Library, after graduating, he held positions at Hahnemann University Library, Penn College Learning Resources Center (Madagan Library) and Bloomsburg University Library,

Following his love of aquatics, he maintained a freshwater aquarium for over 40 years, all started from a fishbowl game played at a school fair, he was an avid Catch and Release Fly Fisherman, and a member of the Slate Run Brown Trout Club. In his earlier career, he was an Environmental Consultant and a System Ecologist, designing environmental studies on the Lower Mississippi River for a proposed nuclear power station and presenting study design proposals to federal regulatory agencies.

Bill had many interests and was very civic and politically minded. He was involved in various activities, such as the Grand Slam Parade, Lycoming County Literacy Project, a Judge of Elections, Lycoming/Williamsport Chamber of Commerce, Places Committee Our Towns, was Chair of the Brandon Park and Shade Tree Commission for several years and owned several businesses. He was a Master Mason in Lodge 707. In his free time, he enjoyed long drives through the mountains with Judy, nature photography, bird watching, reading, science, history, pinochle with friends and especially sitting on his front porch. He was so proud of his loving and growing family. He had a generous heart and assisted many in need, including stray animals. He loved rooting for the Phillies, the Eagles and the Nittany Lions.

Bill is survived by his wife; a son, Jeffrey (Rachelle) of Orlando, Fla; and a daughter, Tricia (George A.) Brown of Williamsport; four grandchildren, Tyler (Emily) McConnell, Avery (Kyle) Howard, and Rileigh McConnell, all of Orlando; Jordan (Deniza) McConnell of Castle Rock, Colo,; six great grandchildren, Owen and Zoey McConnell, Evie and Ian McConnell, and Levi and Reese Howard, and one on the way. He is also survived by a brother, David (Ramona) McConnell of Texas Creek, Colo, and a sister, Eileen Cummings of Chuluota, Fla. And many nieces, nephews, cousins and one aunt, Particia Clark of Lock Haven.

In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by two brothers, Robert L. and Charles, and one sister, Debra Reina.

A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held at Franco’s Lounge Restaurant at 12 W. 4th St. Williamsport, Pa on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Bill will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved hm. Services will be private in accordance with his wishes. Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the Pine Creek Preservation Association, PO Box 11, Waterville, Pa 17776.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McCarty Thomas Funeral Home, Montoursville.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at mccartythomas.com.