Photo courtesy of George L Doherty Funeral Service, Inc - Somerville
Somerville, Massachusetts
Dec 1, 1945 – Nov 9, 2025
Dennis Francis “Fran” Connolly – Of Medford, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 79 years old.
Born in Cambridge, Fran was the son of the late Hugh and Mary (Moriarty) Connolly. Fran dedicated his life to education in Watertown, Boston and Cambridge, serving as a teacher, counselor, mentor and coach. Fran also had a successful career as a NCAA Men’s basketball official, calling games in local and national contests. He dedicated much of his time to share his love and knowledge of the game with players and officials.
Fran was an accomplished athlete himself. He finished multiple marathons. He played in the 1967 College World Series for Boston College and played golf at a high level.
Fran’s greatest joy was time spent with family at the beach, at a ballgame or in a backyard.
Beloved husband of the late Joanne (Powlishen) Connolly. Devoted father of Mark Connolly and his wife Jessica of Woburn, and Megan Hager and her husband Jesse of Medford. Cherished grandfather of Timothy, Charles, Connor and Maggie. Dear brother of Patricia MacNeil and her husband George, the late John Connolly and his surviving wife Barbara, the late Kay Stone and her surviving husband Frank and the late Kevin Connolly. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
A funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High St. Medford on Friday, November 14th at 11:00AM. Please meet directly at church.
All relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Calling Hours will be held in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway (Powder house Sq.) Somerville on Thursday, November 13th from 4:00PM to 7:00PM.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dennis' name Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.
Read MoreI had the pleasure of knowing Fran while he volunteered at Dana-Farber. He always brought such a bright smile and laughter to our days. Our DFCI family was so sad to hear of his passing and send our sympathies to his family.
Jessica Gagnon
November 25, 2025 | Boston, MA | Coworker
So sad to hear of Fran´s passing Wonderful guy Great job organizing reunion Glad I got to see you one more time Sincere sympathy to your family RIP Joanne Morris McDevitt
Joanne McDevitt
November 15, 2025 | School
I was the lucky one. Referee with Fran. I
was a golfing buddy. I also had Fran as
my basketball coach 2 years.Freshman
and JV. My best coach.Loved 8 A.M.
Saturday practices at Arlington
Catholic. I will miss this wonderful
man. He taught me how to love the great game of basketball,have fun, and
be competitive. My sympathies to his
Family. Jack Woods
Jack Woods
November 13, 2025 | Canton, MA | Friend
So sorry to hear of Franny’s passing. A great neighbor. I will miss the pleasant and funny conversations we would have whenever I would see him driving past my house on Yale, when he would pull over and chat, or when he walked past on his way to Main Street. I have no doubt he’ll manage to find an 18-hole course in heaven. My condolences to his wonderful family. May he rest in peace.
Anita D’Antonio
November 13, 2025 | Medford, MA | Neighbor
I first met Fran jogging around Spot Pond & later he refereed my basketball games. I then met his wonderful daughter & grandchildren at St Raphael´s school...for him and his family
Bill Greeley
November 13, 2025
Franny one of the good guys for so many years RIP
Peter Fuccione
November 13, 2025 | Wakefield, MA | Friend
Fran Connolly was one of those rare individuals who if he did something, he was going to do it extremely well. Whether it was his own accomplishments as a multi-sport student athlete or later as a basketball official, marathoner, or recreational golfer he never seemed to just dabble at anything.
Fortunately for so many of us he also chose to be a teacher, guidance counselor, and coach, which allowed his inherent drive for excellence to serve as an example for and positive influence on...
Tom Byrne
November 12, 2025 | Dennis, MA | Friend
I always felt proud to call Franny my friend.
Frank Gormley
November 12, 2025 | Lynn, MA
Franny was a great guy who loved life and he touched a lot of people with his Irish whit and humor. He will be sorely missed by many friends he met along the way especially his golf buddies both at Fresh Pond and Bear Hill. May he RIP with the Lord ❤
Bob Kelley
November 12, 2025 | Tewksbury, MA | Friend
