Congressman Gerry Connolly announced the passing of his father, Edward R. Connolly, on Thursday, Aug. 18 at the age of 88 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary, and their children Gerry, Philip and Rosemary.
“My dad was many things. A Boston Democratic ward committeeman and a delegate to the 1962 state convention that nominated Ted Kennedy to the US Senate, which instilled a passion for politics and public service that remains with his family. A successful salesman from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, an avid golfer and fair-weather skier,” Connolly said. “But mostly, and, he would gladly tell you, his proudest accomplishment was as a wonderful father, a cherished grandfather, a boastful great grandfather and a devoted husband of 67 years to the love of his life: Mary T. I will miss him dearly.”
Edward R. Connolly, of West Roxbury and East Falmouth, formerly Lake Worth, Florida took his leave of his beloved family and friends on August 18, 2016 after 88 years of love and laughter. He was many things, a successful salesman from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, an avid golfer and fair-weather skier, but mostly, and, he would gladly tell you, his proudest accomplishment was as a wonderful father, a cherished grandfather, a boastful great grandfather and a devoted husband of 67 years to the love of his life: Mary T.
Over the years he made his marks in other ways as well. He earned his Chartered Life Underwriter designation, “Man of the Year” Award, and he was both a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 555 and a past President of Norfolk Golf course in Islington.
His interest in golf arose from his early years as a caddy and continued throughout his life. His lifelong friends, and sometime golfing opponents, knew him to be first and foremost a loyal friend and a true gentleman. They also knew he was a talented, and competitive golfer who savored his wins with his golfing partners, Paul Kelly and his son, Philip. He also enjoyed playing cards, bridge, reading, discussing politics and current events especially with his son Gerry. He was quick with a smile, a helping hand, a funny story, and was the shoulder everyone else in the family leaned on.
He leaves his wife of 67 years Mary T. O’Kane, Connolly, his son the Honorable Gerald “Gerry” E. Connolly and his wife Catherine of Fairfax, Virginia, his son Philip J. Connolly of Quincy and his daughter, the Honorable Rosemary Connolly of West Roxbury; his grandchildren: Kerri A., Warrant Officer Kevin W. Connolly and his wife Jennifer, Patrick M. Connolly and his wife Maryann, Meaghan E. Connolly, and Caitlin R. Connolly; great grandchildren James Patrick Connolly and Whitney Noelle Connolly. He also leaves his loving sister Jane M. and her husband Norman Burgess of Manchester, N.H. His brother John, sister Virginia, brother James and sister Eleanor predeceased him.
Mass of Christian Burial at St. Theresa of Avila, 2078 Centre St, West Roxbury, MA at 12 pm on Monday August 21, 2016 with burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.
