William M. Connell Dies at 47

William M. Connell Dies at 47

William “Bill” M. Connell, Jr., 47, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. He was the devoted father of Ryen and Keira Connell. Born in Providence, he was the son of William M. Connell, Sr. and Denise M. (Chartier) Connell of Smithfield.

 

In addition to his daughters and parents, he is survived by his wife, Danielle Connell of Smithfield; his brother, Sean Connell of Smithfield; and his sister, Kristen Bannon and her husband Craig of Smithfield. He is also survived by his nephew, Aidan; his nieces, Shaelynn, Brooke, and Aubrey; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends.

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Bill was a lifelong resident of Smithfield and a graduate of Smithfield High School, where he earned the Outstanding Athlete Award while excelling in football, wrestling, and baseball. He went on to play college football and later graduated from Western New England College with a degree in Sports Management.

 

Bill worked in sales for more than 20 years, most recently with MaintainX Inc., and also spent time working in real estate development. He enjoyed skiing, relaxing with a good cigar, and spending time with friends. He especially loved summers at the Americana in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. He took great pride in helping create a special place that brought family and friends together and created lifelong memories for so many, especially his daughters.

 

More than anything, Bill cherished time with Ryen and Keira, coaching and supporting them in everything they did. He was always their biggest fan.

 

Visitation will be held Friday, June 5, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. in the TUCKER-QUINN Funeral Chapel of Patrick Quinn Funerals and Cremations, 643 Putnam Pike, Greenville, with a service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Inurnment will be private.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations in William’s memory may be made to the Movember Foundation https://us.movember.com/donate/details/memberId/97#amount, P.O. Box 2040, Santa Monica, CA 90406.