William G. McConnaughay, 70, of Geneva, who owned McConnaughay Properties in Geneva and was involved in other family businesses, died Sunday in Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva.
Born in Mt. Vernon, Ill., Mr. McConnaughay early in life became involved in Geneva Bottling Works, a beverage distribution company that his wife’s grandparents started in 1920.
After working several years at the bottling company, Mr. McConnaughay recognized that the populations of Geneva and other area communities were increasing and started the development firm McConnaughay Properties in the early 1960s.
“He was one of the first developers in the area,” said his daughter, Catherine Cushing. “He loved building.”
Mr. McConnaughay constructed several buildings in Geneva and surrounding towns and had recently completed a medical office building near Delnor Community Hospital.
About 10 years ago, when a retail furniture store that had leased space from Mr. McConnaughay went out of business, he decided to try the furniture business for himself. He opened a new family business, Geneva Home Works, with his son, John.
John McConnaughay said his father enjoyed the financial stability that being in business afforded him and his family.
“He was always planning for the future,” he said.
Mr. McConnaughay also served in the Army during the Korean War.
Other survivors include his wife, Rosemary; two daughters, Janet Smudde and Margaret Milnamow; five brothers, James, Terry, Glenn, Paul, and Ron; two sisters, Isabelle Fisher and Norma Lundberg; and seven grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State St., Geneva. Services will begin at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home, followed by a mass at 10 a.m. in St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Rd., Geneva.
