Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Connelly Obituary
AGE: 90 • Ocean Township
John R. Connelly, died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at the age of 90. He was born on June 14, 1921 in Newark, and was a graduate of Belleville High School. He moved to the Shore area in 1941, and moved to Wanamassa in 1955, where he lived until the time of his death. He studied at Newark College of Engineering in 1940 while working as a die-setter at National Union Radio Corporation, Newark, and worked as a mechanical draftsman at the Signal Laboratory at Camp Evans in 1941 while going to engineering school at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. He served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1945 and was stationed in the Yukon and in Alaska where he operated signal repeater stations along the Alaska Highway. After World War II, he worked for the Department of Defense as a draftsman at Fort Monmouth, and retired in 1976 as the head of the drafting department. He continued to work as a house painter until his late 70s. He was an outstanding golfer, and was an avid reader throughout his entire life. He is looking forward to finishing the complete works of Charles Dickens in heaven.
Mr. Connelly is predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Ann; and by his brothers, Donald Connelly and Gilbert Connelly; his sister, Marjorie Russen, and their spouses. He is survived by his son and daughter in-law, John R. Connelly Jr. and Patricia Connelly; his grandchildren, John Patrick Connelly, Kathleen Connelly and Maura Connelly, all of Ocean Township; and his nieces and nephews and friends.
A gathering of his family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 at Buckley Funeral Home, 509 2nd Ave., Asbury Park, and a funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17 at Holy Spirit Church, Second Avenue, Asbury Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Connelly
6 Entries
Amy Broza
February 16, 2012
Growing up on Deal Lake Point Road, I recall many happy times, playing at the cool fort on Connelly's property, and fishing at their dock on the lake. Many years have passed, but I am truly thankful for the memories of such wonderful neighbors. My thoughts and sympathies go out to John and the rest of the family.
Susan Rosenberg
February 15, 2012
As the Connellys cleared the woods and started to built their house on our block in 1955, we kids of the block were provided with huge dirt mounds to play on for months. When I finally met Mr. and Mrs.Connelly (children didn't call their elders by their first names in the 1950's), I discovered two of the finest of people. Mrs. Connelly was beautiful, warm and outgoing; Mr. Connelly, a quiet, intellectual gentleman. When our house across the street had suffered a severe fire in 1960, the Connellys were there to offer caring and support. When Mr. Connelly was retired and well, he would walk to the stores everyday to buy the New York Times and other papers that he'd carry under his arm. Mrs Connelly would attest that he read them thoroughly. Occasionally, when I would stop to greet Mr. Connelly along his excursion, he would talk about Dostoevsky's War and Peace and other books that he was into. On the brawn side, when Johnny, the Connellys' only child, was about eight years old, his father built him an enviable, collossal tree house that exists to this day."Character" isn't a word that is used too often these days, but when it comes to the Connellys, "fine character" is what has always defined the three of them. What a wonderful legacy for the grandchildren!
Susan Rosenberg, neighbor since 1953
February 15, 2012
It has been a long time, a very long time, but I remember this gentleman, his lovely wife and very bright and well behaved son with great affection, serving as John's School Principal. Supportive, friendly and helpful, all of them. Please accept my sympathy. Don Vineburg
Jeff Gold
February 15, 2012
Jack was a great neighbor and fine conversationalist. He was so proud of his family's accomplishments, and they were devoted to him. I wish we had met earlier so we could have played golf together! He leaves a hole in many hearts.
Skip West
February 15, 2012
I will always remember Uncle Jack and Aunt Ann as being fun and enjoyment to be with. My deepest sympaphy go to Johnny and his family. Uncle Jack will always be missed. God bless.
Arlline Broza
February 15, 2012
It's another member of the Deal Lake Point Rd. family to leave us! Guess I'm the only one of that gang still here in Wanamassa. It brings back many fond memories of "when we we all kids". May those memories help to sustain John's son and his family in this sad time. Arline Broza
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in John Connelly's name
Memorial Events
for John Connelly
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Connelly's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
