William P. Connelly, a World War II veteran and retired electrical construction foreman, died of complications from lung cancer at his home in Edgemere on Friday, one day before his 81st birthday.

Mr. Connelly was raised on Dunnison Street in Baltimore. He graduated from St. Bernadine elementary school in 1936 and Mount St. Joseph High School in 1940.

He entered the Navy in 1941. A gunner on a destroyer in the South Pacific, Mr. Connelly received a Purple Heart for injuries he suffered during a training exercise.

After returning to the United States in 1945, he began a 37-year career at Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. Mr. Connelly married Ruth F. Blake of West Baltimore. They would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary Oct. 11.

They lived in Dundalk before moving 31 years ago to Edgemere. There, Mr. Connelly coached Little League and served as a scoutmaster for local Boy Scout troops. He was also a member of the Baltco Club, a social organization in Edgemere.

After retiring in 1983, Mr. Connelly and his wife traveled across the country.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Duda-Ruck Funeral Home of Dundalk, 7922 Wise Ave.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Diane Gassaway of Towson; his son, Michael Connelly of Perry Hall; a sister, Mary W. Connelly of the Original Northwood section of Baltimore; and five grandchildren.