William “Bill” Connors, a longtime Auburn resident who worked at the YMCA for more than 40 years, died Oct. 30 at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was 76.
His wife and daughter were with him when he died, according to his obituary from Thomas Funeral Home. Connors and his wife, Clari, moved to North Carolina in 2018 to be closer to their daughter and her family.
Born Nov. 15, 1949, in Auburn, Connors was the son of Regina and Francis Connors. He graduated from Central High School in 1968 and spent much of his life in Auburn.
After retiring from his decades of work at the YMCA, he worked for several more years at the County Office Building.
His obituary recalls annual Adirondack trips, time on Owasco Lake and gatherings with friends for bowling, baseball and card games. His family also remembered his humor and enjoyment of making people laugh.
In North Carolina, he spent time with his daughter, Jennifer Connors Lee, her husband, Chris Lee, and their twins, Connor and Julianna, now 8. Family holidays were a favorite, including coordinated Halloween costumes and Christmas celebrations.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Clari Simmonds Connors; his daughter and son-in-law; his two grandchildren; his sister, Alice Connors Black; and his twin brother, Robert Connors. He also leaves several sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as his cat, Boo.
Remembering others from the community
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Patricia Connors Murray; his brothers, Thomas and Richard Connors; and his nephews, Michael Murray and David Connors.
A private memorial service for his immediate family will honor his wishes. The family requested memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in place of flowers.
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