William C. McConnell

William (“Bill”) C. McConnell, Jr.

From time in the Navy - ports across the globe - to the many days, nights, and years on Lake Tashmoo on Martha’s Vineyard, Bill “Papa” McConnell was one with the water. Lobstering, fishing, and in the winter, communing with the buffleheads, eiders, and other birds happy to spend their time on the lake and happy to call Bill their friend. Ospreys nested and raised their children in the trees in Bill’s yard.

That’s just part of the story. This gentleman’s life was full of family, music, nature, and community until he passed peacefully on June 12, 2024 at age 83. “Bill,” “Dad,” and “Papa” began his life on July 24, 1940 in Peekskill, New York, where he was raised by his parents William C. McConnell, Sr. and Elizabeth P. (MacMahon) McConnell. He spent his young summers in Oak Bluffs, swimming in the waters he found so sacred, and as a teenager worked as a beach boy at the East Chop Beach Club. 

It was at ECBC where he met Judith L. Smith and they married in 1964. Together they celebrated almost 60 anniversaries; that’s 60+ years of banter, glances of enduring love, and the combined pride of raising two children on the Vineyard. 

He launched Jubili Distributors in Oak Bluffs. He became one with the Island, serving on multiple town boards and as a crisis line volunteer for the Samaritans of Cape Cod & the Islands to support those reaching out for help. 

Bill, Dad, Papa was a man of high principle and a fierce love of his family. The recession in the 1980s brought Bill and Judith a return to upstate New York for work. It was during this time he rediscovered long-distance running - a beloved sport from high school. Beginning in his late 40s, he trained and raced in countless local, regional, and international road races and marathons, his favorite by far being the New York City Marathon which he ran (and finished!) many times. 

But the Vineyard called. Bill and Judith returned to the island in 2001 and Bill began his tenure as General Manager at the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. Then during his pre-retirement he managed properties for several private clients across the island. It was during these years he rekindled his love of choral singing and sang tenor for almost 15 years with the Federated Church of Martha’s Vineyard and Island Community Chorus - for which he also served as president of its Board of Directors.

His children had children and Bill adored his role as Papa - and the children adored their Papa. Hotly contested games of croquet aside, he was a loving and generous Papa. In 2022, Bill and Judith moved to Vermont to live closer to family.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife Judith; his children Lisa (and Victor) Milligan of Pomfret, Vermont, and Bill (and Sarah) McConnell of Scituate, Rhode Island; his adult grandchildren Katie, Erin, Darcy, and Bill; and nine nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: A Celebration of Bill’s Life will take place on Sunday, October 27 from 2:00 to 4:30PM at The Dexter, 92 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, MA. Please check Bill’s online obituary at www.csnh.com or local media on MV for updates. Written condolences may be mailed to Judith at PO Box 1345, Quechee VT 05059. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to their charity(ies) of choice. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Brattleboro. To view Bill's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.