Daniel Connelly

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Daniel "Bill" William Connelly, 76, of Fort Collins Colorado. Bill passed away on September 6th, 2025 with his loving wife, Mary Ann, by his side.

Bill was born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts in 1949 to Daniel & Kathryn Connelly. The oldest of three, he spent much of his childhood in upstate New York near his grandparent's farm. His favorite memories included roaming the forest and hillsides near the farm and visiting and staying with his grandmother when his parents moved further away. His family eventually moved to Colorado for his father's job with IBM. Bill loved the mountains and beautiful scenery of Colorado and enjoyed spending his spare time hiking, backpacking, and cross-country skiing.

Bill attended Fairview High School in Boulder, CO and then the University of Colorado in Boulder for Architecture. He met his wife Mary Ann in 1971 while living and working construction in Boulder. They married in 1972 and eventually moved to Fort Collins, CO when Mary Ann transferred from CU to CSU. They bought a property with a two acres and a small farm house that he remodeled and where they eventually raised their three daughters. Connelly Building and Design was Bill's company for designing, building and remodeling custom homes.

Family was important to Bill, and he loved spending time with his girls and five grandchildren. "Gramps" was very important to his grandkids, and they loved spending time with him doing art, reading stories and working on other creative projects together.

Art and music were Bill's passions. He was an extremely talented artist and built an art studio & gallery on his property. He loved taking part in the Fort Collins Art Studio Tour for many years. Bill was also an amazing musician who enjoyed listening to music and playing his own instruments. He was most passionate about acoustic and electric guitars, and spent many years building and collecting them.

Bill is survived by his wife Mary Ann, Children: Anna Lowe (Riley), Emily Hosanna, Ivy Belcher. Grandchildren: Ellison, Memphis, Avery, Isla & Gracie. Siblings: Debbie Fredrickson. He is predeceased by his parents Daniel & Kathryn Connelly, and Sister Donna Palinkx.

There will be no formal service; instead, we invite you to privately celebrate Bill's memory in your own special way. Watch the colors of the Colorado sunrises and sunsets for inspiration. A celebration for family and friends will be scheduled for later in the fall.