Bill McConnell died on June 12. He was 83.

From his time in the Navy traveling to ports across the globe, to his many days, nights and years on Lake Tashmoo on Martha’s Vineyard, Bill (Papa) McConnell was one with the water. Whether lobstering and fishing, or communing with the buffleheads, eiders and other birds who were happy to spend their time on the lake and happy to call Bill their friend, he was at home.

Ospreys nested and raised their children in the trees in Bill’s yard. That’s just part of the story. This gentleman’s life was full of family, music, nature and community.

Bill, Dad, Papa, as he was known, began his life on July 24, 1940 in Peekskill, N.Y., where he was raised by his parents William C. McConnell, Sr. and Elizabeth P. (MacMahon) McConnell.

He spent his young summers in Oak Bluffs, swimming in the waters he found so sacred. As a teenager, he worked as a beach boy at the East Chop Beach Club.

It was at ECBC where he met Judith L. Smith and they married in 1964. Together they celebrated almost 60 anniversaries — that’s over 60 years of banter, glances of enduring love and the combined pride of raising two children on the Vineyard.

He launched Jubili Distributors in Oak Bluffs and became one with the Island, serving on multiple town boards and as a crisis line volunteer for the Samaritans of Cape Cod and the Islands to support those reaching out for help.

He was a man of high principles and a fierce love of his family.

The recession in the 1980s brought Bill and Judith back to upstate New York for work. It was during this time he rediscovered long-distance running, a beloved sport from high school. Beginning in his late 40s, he trained and raced in countless local, regional and international road races and marathons. His favorite by far was the New York City Marathon which he ran (and finished) many times.

But the Vineyard called again. Bill and Judith returned to the Island in 2001 and he began his tenure as general manager at the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. During his pre-retirement he managed properties for several private clients across the Island. It was during these years that he rekindled his love of choral singing and sang tenor for almost 15 years with the Federated Church of Martha’s Vineyard and Island Community Chorus — for which he also served as president of its board of directors.

Bill adored his role as Papa, and his children and grandchildren adored their Papa. Hotly contested games of croquet aside, he was a loving and generous Papa.

In 2022, Bill and Judith moved to Vermont to live closer to family.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judith; his children Lisa (and Victor) Milligan of Pomfret, Vt., and Bill (and Sarah) McConnell of Scituate, R.I.; his adult grandchildren Katie, Erin, Darcy and Bill; and nine nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will take place on the Vineyard after the summer tourist season.

Written condolences may be mailed to Judith at PO Box 1345, Quechee VT 05059.