Bill Connolly (1943-2017), Santa Clara Hall of Fame Two-Sport Star

Bill Connolly (1943-2017), Santa Clara Hall of Fame Two-Sport Star
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Bill Connolly, a two-sport Santa Clara University student of the mid 1960's who is in the University's Athletic Hall of Fame, died last month at age 74.  
 
A staunch supporter of Santa Clara University and its athletics department, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at Santa Clara Mission Church on the Santa Clara University campus on Friday at 2 p.m.  A reception will follow at the Locatelli Center on the Santa Clara campus.
 
Connolly was a member of three Bronco baseball teams, all of which were at one time ranked as the No.1 team in the nation.  Connolly twice finished in the top 10 in the nation in home runs contributing to the Bronco lineup in 1964 that led the nation in homeruns and RBIs.  
 
As a senior in 1965, Connolly and the Broncos set all-time season records for base hits and home runs, and came within one game of returning to the College World Series.  
 
He was also a two-year member of the Bronco men's basketball team, earning All-Northern California freshman team honors.  
 
The native of Norfolk, Virginia, came to Santa Clara University as a standout baseball and basketball player from San Jose's Bellarmine College Prep School.  Deservedly, Connolly is a Hall of Fame member at both Bellarmine College Prep and Santa Clara University, inducted in 2003.
 
After graduating with a degree in finance, Connolly signed a contract with the Minnesota Twins and stayed in the organization through 1968 before turning to the business sector, becoming a stockbroker in San Francisco and New York. He retired as a managing director of Robertson, Stephens & Co., an investment banking firm he co-founded.
 
Connolly is survived by his wife, Pam, and children Scooter, Jon, Brent, Drew and Shannon, as well as eight grandchildren.
 
Parking: Parking is free for service attendees in the main campus parking structure, which is located on Palm Drive through the main entrance (500 El Camino Drive). Attendees should request a parking pass from the parking attendant. Click here for a campus map.