John Joseph "Jack" Connelly Jr

Cmdr. John "Jack" Joseph Connelly, Jr.

Norfolk, VA - Cmdr. John "Jack" Joseph Connelly, Jr. (USN Ret.), 83, passed away peacefully January 12, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Dover, NJ to the late John J. and Gertrude Connelly, Sr. After graduating from Dover High School and receiving football and NROTC full scholarships, he went on to attend The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania. Jack graduated with a degree in business. Jack was commissioned into the United States Navy in 1956, where he served his country proudly for 27 years. As a helicopter pilot, Jack received numerous commendations including: The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Purple Heart, The Bronze Star with Valor, 13 Air Medals, The Presidential Unit Citation, The Navy Unit Commendation, The Meritorious Unit Commendation, The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with 3 silver stars, The Navy Expeditionary Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and The Vietnam Service Medal with 4 stars. Jack was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all. Jack was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing football, bowling and golf. Jack spent his retirement years cruising, traveling and vacationing with family and friends. Jack was loved by all for his great sense of humor and ability to make you laugh. Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Joan. He is also predeceased by three sisters; Dorothy Mae Connelly, Pauline Zuzock and Jean Farrelly.

Left to cherish Jack's memory are his four daughters; Carolyn Tetterton, Kathleen VanNostrand, Karin Connelly and Diane Connelly Bailey (Richard), sister; Trudy Zielensky (Ron), sisters in law; Judith Savitz and Janet Farrelly, brother in law; Edmund Zuzock, grandchildren; Raymond VanNostrand (Shannon), Steven VanNostrand (Tracy), Shannon Connelly and Kyle Young , great grandchildren; Devan, Piper, Lucas, Ethan, Jacob, and Emily, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members and friends.

Jack's funeral will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA. The visitation will be Friday, January 19 from 5- 8 PM at the funeral home. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Alzheimer's Association for all their support over the years. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Alzheimer's Association in Jack's name. Please visit www.woodlawngroup.com to share a memory with the family.