John Patrick Connelly

To the Connelly Family,
I just got your Dad's Obituary from my sister yesterday. I'm sorry we were not able to attend the services. I was one of the many "cousins" that started out on Oakland (146). We moved out to the suburbs when I was seven. I did a lot of playing at your house and yard (since you had the largest yard on Oakland). I remember the great fort you built on the “island” surrounded by the little pond – even with bunk beds. I remember the wooden boat your Dad was building by hand in the basement – at the time I thought that's what everyone did. I could never convince my father to build a boat… During the Davy Crockett craze, your dad – who cut your hair in the basement – agreed to give us Mohawk cuts. He gave a Mohawk to Johnny first and Jimmy next (seems everyone's name ended in “ie” or “y” back then). He then did me – but when he finished I just had a regular haircut, which I wasn't too happy with. I guess he did the smart thing since he wouldn't have wanted to hear about it from my Mother Ruth.
2nd Cousin Dave McCarthy
(Ruth & Bill McCarthy)

To the Connelly Family,

Sorry to hear about your dad. I grew up on Oakland Street and moved when I was 13. I remember alot of good times with friends and cousins. I used to iron for your mom. All the moms stayed home and visited all the time. There was a fire in the upstairs of our home we now rented. Your dad contacted the fire dept. I was living in Liverpool, NY on our way to church when we heard on the radio there was a fire at 158 Oakland St. It was alot of work helping my dad to get it back in shape again. Luckily no one was hurt. We lost my dad (Ralph) on Jan. 27, 2012. He was 90. Mom (Helen) is still in Beneva Lakes in Sarasota, Fl where dad was and she will be 90 Sept.27. Joan and Sheila are still in NY and George, John and myself are all in Florida. Our prayers are with you.
Patty Haight (Pat Lanham)

Jack was a customer of our old fashioned photo supply store in Syracuse for many years and was one of our very favorites. Besides me there were many customers that learned from Jack & exchanged photography knowledge. Our store(closed in 2009)was one of those shops where people became friends and asked after each other when they came in. My daughters remember him fondly from their years growing up at the store. His visits were also enjoyed by my mother, Shirley and our bookkkeeper Norma. He was the ultimate hobbyist!

Dear Boys and Family,
Jack will surely be missed. My heart and prayers are with you. May you find comfort from each other during this difficult time.

Dear John, Jim, Danny, and Mark and family,
I was so sorry to learn re: your dad's death. And I'm sorry I pretty much lost complete touch with the four of you. I have a picture of you, Johnnie as you were called then, sitting on my front porch next door when you were little. I remember Jim(my)'s and my animal cemetery. And so many other things. It was a big wrench for me to leave Oakland Street when I was in the middle of the sixth grade. It was such a wonderful place to grow up.
Either your dad called your mom 'Sug' or he called her that.
with much love and deepest sympathy,
Judy Oplinger