FRANKLIN: William J. Conlon

Franklin, MA

William J. Conlon, 90, passed peacefully on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Dolores F. (Baldyga) Conlon. He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Wanda (Baldyga) Keegan of Seattle, WA, and Carol (Baldyga) Sibya of Clinton; several nieces and nephews; cousins, Kathleen Gardiner, William Gardiner, Pauline O’Toole, Joan Gleeson; extended family members, Janet Golas-Shah and husband Kirit Shah; and many dear friends.

Son of the late Francis J. & Teresa (Finn) Conlon, Bill was raised and educated in Boston and was a graduate of Boston College High School. At a young age, Bill was recognized for his vocal talent and would be accepted to study at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he would achieve his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in 1959 and 1961 respectively. During this time, Bill would meet his future bride and accomplished vocalist, Dolores Baldyga, while she was singing as member of the trio, the Musical Portraits. Both Dolores and Bill would enjoy famed careers as performers on stages throughout the United States and abroad.

Bill’s professional vocal career included concert performances at the Gardner Museum, Harvard Musical Association, and many communities as a member of the New England Opera Theatre, Boston Lyric Theatre, Boston Opera Group, and the Cavaliers Male Quartet. He served as long time Tenor Soloist at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline, Principal Tenor at Trinity Church, Boston, and Central Congregational Church in Newtonville.

In addition to his vocal career, Mr. Conlon was a Music Teacher and Counselor for the Boston Public Schools. He also taught Voice at the New England Conservatory of Music and served on the NEC Alumni Council.

In retirement, Bill and Dolores traveled extensively, played golf, and entertained friends with a song or two at the piano.

A calling hour will be held from 9:30 until 10:30AM on Friday, October 16, 2026 in the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union St., Clinton, and burial to follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Lancaster. Memorial contributions can be made to Rose Monihan Hospice Home: VNA Care, Fund Development Office, 67 Millbrook Street, 500 North, Worcester, MA 01606. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com