George Peter Connolly

Connolly, George Peter George Peter Connolly found comfort and peace on Thursday, June 19, 2008. He was born on January 30, 1917, to the late John W. and Maryann (Mertes) Connolly, in Chicago, Illinois. On August 12, 1939, he married the love of his life, the late Edith (Thornton) Connolly, who passed away August 21, 1971. Also preceding him in death were his son George Peter Connolly, Jr. and his five brothers: James, John, Frank, Edward, and Paul. Surviving George are his three beloved children and their spouses; Maureen (Kenneth) Connolly-Turk, Sturgeon Bay, WI, Dr. Dennis M. (Bonnie) Connolly, Kenosha, WI, Dr. Caryn (Donald) Easterling, Pewaukee, WI; eight grandchildren who gave George much joy: Geoff Turk, Milwaukee, WI, John (Kathy) Turk, Trevor, WI, Byron Turk, Waukesha, WI, Chandler (Alexa) Connolly, Highland, MI, Phoebe Connolly, Brattleboro, VT, Amanda (Charles) Kirby, New Berlin, WI, Erin (Eric) Flood, Fond du Lac, WI, Stephanie Easterling, Pewaukee, WI, and three great - grandchildren: Emily, Sarah and Megan Turk, Trevor, WI. George served in the United States Marine Corps during WWII and was recommended for a Bronze Star for his bravery while in Iwo Jima. George began his professional career in Kenosha in 1950, when he opened his first grocery store, Connolly's Finer Foods. Within a few years, he opened two more grocery stores including the one in his shopping center, Town & Country Shopping Center, Kenosha. From 1960 to 1983, George served as President and Chairman of the Board of the Brown National Bank, now Bank One. From 1983 to 1993, he was Chairman of the Board of 1st Bank Southeast, retiring that same year. Because of George's optimism, legendary energy and commitment to Kenosha, as well as his belief that public service is a privilege, he unselfishly gave of his time and talents to many civic and professional organizations. George served as President of the Kenosha Chamber of Commerce; President of the Gateway Technical College Foundation; President of the Kenosha Achievement Center Board; Board Member of the Brown National Bank; and Board Member of the Kenosha Savings and Loan. He was instrumental in the relocation of Carthage College to Kenosha, and in bringing the University of Wisconsin-Parkside to Kenosha. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church; a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 973; a member of the Marine Corp League, of the American Legion, and the V.F.W. Post 1865. George has received numerous honors and awards for his countless hours of service and dedication to the community. He was named Kenosha Community Leader of the Year in 2001. George's leadership, generosity, dedication, wisdom, and wit will be especially missed by his children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren who love him. He has been an inspiration to them. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kenosha Hospice or Kenosha Achievement Center would be appreciated. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 23, 2008. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 7400 - 39th Avenue. Friends and relatives are asked to meet at the Church for Mass. Private Interment to include immediate family only will follow in St. James Cemetery. A visitation for George will be hosted on Sunday, June 22 from 2:00 until 6:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider memorial remembrances in George's name to either the Kenosha Achievement Center, 1218 - 79th Street, Kenosha, WI 53143; or to Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd., Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158. Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home 3720 39th Avenue Kenosha, Wisconsin 53144 262-658-4101 Online Condolences at www.piasecki-althaus.com