Donald E. Connelly, Sr.

Green Island – Donald E. Connelly, Sr., 76, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, died Thursday, July 12, 2012 at the Albany Medical Center Hospital. Born in Green Island, son of the late John H. Connelly and Helen Patrick Connelly Smallwood, he was a lifelong resident of the village. Don had been employed by the Norton Company in Watervliet for 39 years, retiring in 1998. After retirement, Don could be found every day working with his son, Tom, at KC's Construction. He was a communicant of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and a member of the Watervliet Lodge of Elks and the Papermaker's Union. Don loved to travel and go to Las Vegas and visit the casinos. For many years, he and his wife, Marie, also enjoyed their "Friday Night Card Club" with their dear friends, John, Jane, Betty and Ray. His most precious moments were those spent surrounded by his loving family. He is the beloved husband of 55 years of Marie DePaul Connelly; loving father of Donald (Debbie) Connelly of Jacksonville, FL, Thomas (Kellie) Connelly of Green Island, Sandra (Steven) Silberman of St. Augustine, FL, James Connelly of Green Island and Jean (James) Cornwell of Green Island; brother of William (Dolores) Connelly of Watervliet, Dolores Ostwald of Brunswick and the late Charles, John and Peter Connelly; step brother of Robert Smallwood of Florida; also survived by 16 cherished grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Funeral from the McNulty Funeral Home, 147 Hudson Avenue, Green Island on Monday at 8:45 a.m. and at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Watervliet at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be in Memory Gardens in Colonie. Calling hours will be on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Green Island Senior Citizens, 5 George Street, Green Island, NY 12183 in memory of Don.