Dennis Connelly

CONNELLY, Dennis 66, of Hyannis would say "mission accomplished" as he completed this chapter in his life on Friday, February 5. Dennis was born and raised in Dorchester and East Milton, spending his summers in Marshfield. He attended St. Joseph's Seminary in Bordentown, New Jersey and graduated from Stonehill College in No. Easton. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Viet Nam era where he discovered his love of flying. He pursued that passion over the next 40 years from Beverly to Cape Cod. He married Phyllis Frost Connelly in 1978 and they built a life as residents of Cape Cod since that time. He worked as a pilot for Gull Air, Hyannis Aviation and managed various aircraft for several private corporations. He made his life's work out of what he loved to do. He also had an uncanny ability to decifer the weather, which made him the "go to" person for weather updates for many pilots before getting behind the yoke of their aircraft. Dennis had a passion for American military history, airplanes and his beloved '69 and '03 Corvettes along with the familiar '71 blue, Chevy pickup. He was a longtime member and former Keyman of the Cape Cod Hangar of the Quiet Birdmen (QBs), a national fraternal order of pilots. He was one of four sons born to Catherine Connelly of Marshfield and the late Thomas Connelly. He will forever be remembered by his brothers Thomas Connelly Jr. of Mashpee, and Paul Connelly of Florida, his caring mother-in-law, Rita Frost and sister-in-laws, Janet Connelly and Freida Connelly.. He is now joined with his late brother, Brian Connelly. His memory will be carried on by nieces, nephews, and the many friends that were blessed to know him. His wife, Phyllis would like to extend her heartfelt thanks to the many doctors and nurses at Cape Cod Hospital and the Massachusetts General Hospital of Boston for their attention and loving care during these difficult times. The family also wishes to thank the VNA of Cape Cod and the Hospice/Palliative Care Services of Massachusetts General Hospital. Friends and family are invited to gather at Doane Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 160 West Main Street, HYANNIS on Monday, February 8 from 4pm -7pm. A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Victory Church in Centerville on Tuesday, February 9 at 10am, followed by burial at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been established in Dennis' name for a deserving flight student at the Florida Institute of Technology, Office of Development, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL, 32901-6975. Please write Dennis' name in the memo line of your check.