Devoted husband, Loving Father and Mayor of all things Good, Bill lived his life with God and gave to his community tenfold. Bill was born September 26, 1933, in Bellows Falls, VT, the third of four sons to Thomas F. and Clara B. (Ostrowski) O’Connor. He grew up on “The Terrace” where he met his beloved Marlene when her family moved next door. Bill attended St. Charles Parochial School and was a 1951 graduate of Bellows Falls High School. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the US Army arriving in Korea shortly after cessation of hostilities. He returned home to marry his sweetheart, Marlene Madge Kenney who has remained by his side for 69 beautiful years.

Bill had many earthly loves. First and foremost was his wife and family. He led with dignity and grace and showed by example how to persevere, especially in his final days. He raised his three children with simple pleasures, family dinners, games on the lawn and a love of nature. With each generation, he shared his magic always doting on the little ones with Irish lullabies and his magical touch. He was Dad, Papa, Opa and a Great-Grandfather.

Bill loved golf. He started as a caddy in 1945 and eventually became the head Greens Keeper at Bellows Falls Country Club, a place he held very near and dear. He inspired many young men that worked with him to enter the same profession, including his son. He loved the land the course was on, the people that played there and all the sport had to offer. Eighteen holes were never enough. He had been known to play 27 or more, on a Saturday, so Marlene had no choice, but to become a golfer herself, that is, if she wanted to see her husband, and so she did. He loved hunting the local hills for white tailed deer and enjoyed the season with his son, brothers and friends, all while providing for his family.

A man of deep faith, Bill was an active member of St. Charles Parish his entire life, from an altar boy in his preteens to Eucharistic Minister, where he delivered the Sacrament of Holy Communion to parishioners in their homes. He was a mainstay every weekend.

As an insurance salesman for Metropolitan Life in the 1970’s he would collect premiums in person, always with a biscuit in hand for the family dog and an open arm to hold a baby or toddler. That’s just who he was. Young mothers would quickly throw in a load of laundry or vacuum a room while he held the little one and completed the paperwork. Bill​ never met a dog he didn’t like (or a green pea he would eat) and loved engaging with people and delighting with stories of the good old days.

He served as Town Manager for Westminster from 1982-1998. Westminster was his town. He loved that job and that is where he proudly resided for sixty years. His office door was always open for discussion and for many years he cooked and served a Thanksgiving dinner at the Institute for the senior citizens of the town he so loved. Prior to becoming town manager, he was on the school board and a town selectman, always giving his time to make the community better place.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene, son, Michael and wife, Barbara O’Connor of Williston, VT; daughters, Shannon O’Connor and husband, Michael Pon of Washington, NH and Erin and husband, John Harding of Boulder, CO and brother, Paul O’Connor of Walpole, NH. He was blessed with four grandchildren, Brianna Novak of Concord, NH, Michaela and husband, Pete Herrholz of Dunbarton, NH, Grace Harding of Spokane WA and Joseph and wife, Brittney Harding of Longmont, CO, his great-grandchildren, include: Kendal Novak, Harrison, Hayleigh and Alex Herrholz and Maverick, Ellianna and Oliver (Stone) Harding.

Bill lived an entire life of service to his family, community and to his God. His life will be honored with calling hours from 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday, October 25, 2024, Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Charles Parish, 31 Cherry Street, Bellows Falls, VT, burial to follow at St. Charles Cemetery. A reception at 12:30 PM at the Bellows Falls Country Club, Rockingham, VT.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Westminster Cares, PO Box 312, Westminster, VT 05158 or online at westminstercares.org.