William Conley

William Christopher Conley, known to family and friends as Bill, passed away on May 29, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 87.

Born in South Boston to Georgia (Bacon) Conley and John Conley, Bill was a proud city kid who loved spending summers in Grand Lake Stream, Maine.

In 1962, Bill met the love of his life, Pat. They married at Mission Church in Boston and began their life together in Jamaica Plain before settling in Westwood in 1969, where they raised their four children.

After high school, Bill joined the U.S. Navy and began his career as an aircraft mechanic. He spent many years with Eastern Airlines, where he formed lifelong friendships. While working full-time and raising a young family, he earned a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University. He later continued his work in aviation at East Coast Aero Tech and the Federal Aviation Administration.

A devout Catholic, Bill was a longtime parishioner of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Westwood. He served as a Eucharistic Minister, taught religious education, and volunteered with Vacation Bible School.

Above all, Bill was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who could always be counted on for advice, a helping hand, or support when it was needed. Known as "Pops" to his grandchildren, he took great pride in being part of their lives and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on.

Bill leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Pat; his children, William Conley (Wendy), Joelle Driscoll (Edward), Julianne Bride, and Jennifer Hartigan; his fourteen grandchildren, Patrick, Sean, Ryan, and Lauren Conley; Kathryn, Jane, John, and Nora Driscoll; Finnian, Delia, and Esme Bride; and William, Thomas, and Catherine Hartigan; and four great-grandchildren, Walter, Camille, Harold, and Scottie Conley.

He was predeceased by his brother, David Conley, and his sister, Joanne Conley.

Bill's family extends its sincere gratitude to the caregivers who took such great care of him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours at the Holden, Dunn & Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock Street, Westwood, on Sunday, June 7, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 8, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church, 845 High Street, Westwood. Interment with U.S. Navy Military Honors will follow at New Westwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's memory to Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Mission Church) Boston's Basilica or St. Joan of Arc Parish, Westwood Saint Joan of Arc Parish - Westwood, MA