Eugene Leo "Gene" Connolly was born on April 15, 1956 in Norwood, Mass. He passed away at his home in Concord surrounded by his family on Sunday morning, August 19, 2018.

He graduated from Xaverian High School in Norwood in 1975 and went on to Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. He graduated there in 1979 with a degree in physical education. Gene later earned his Master's from Notre Dame College in 1988 and his CAGS Certificate from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell in 1988.

Gene married Patricia Connolly (Fecteau) in 1980, as he began his career.

Gene started his career in Windham, N.H., as an elementary physical education teacher. He coached a variety of sports. Gene became an assistant principal at Londonderry Middle School in 1988. He moved on to be an assistant principal at Gilbert H. Hood Middle School in Derry in 1992 then became the principal in 1994. In 2001, Gene became the principal of Concord High School, retiring after fourteen years in 2016.

Gene was selected as N.H. High School Principal of the Year in 2014. Gene was also selected as N.H. Middle School Principal of the Year in 2001 when he was the Principal at Gilbert H. Hood Middle School in Derry, N.H.

Gene is survived by his wife, Patty, a teacher at Hopkinton Middle-High School (Hopkinton, N.H.). Their daughter Allison Davis, who is an elementary school teacher at the Christa McAuliffe School in Concord, N.H., and is married to Ryan Davis; their son, James is an English teacher at Winnacunnet High School in Hampton, N.H., and he is married to Brianna Connolly (Sionne). He is also survived by two grandchildren, Eugene Connolly and Leo Davis; six siblings, Maura Barrasso, Jane Babiec, Faith Connolly, Amy Connolly-Musumano, Susan Fiorillo and James Connolly.

Aside from his family, Gene interests are focused on the success of all students as well as creating the most welcoming environment in the school community's he served.

A public memorial service will be held on Thursday at 4:30 p.m., at South Congregational Church, 27 Pleasant Street, Concord. A celebration of Gene's life will be held in late September at Concord High School.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Bennett Funeral Home of Concord, N.H.

Online condolences can be expressed at bennettfuneral.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Concord Monitor on Aug. 22, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Connolly

13 Entries

Tracey McLaughlin

August 25, 2018

Dear Ally and Family,
Thinking of you all, during this very sad time. It was a pleasure to have worked with your father, at CHS. He was a great guy and will be terribly missed.
With love and sympathy,
Tracey

Julie Kukla

August 23, 2018

An absolutely beautiful service, so reflective of the kind and amazing human being that Gene was. He would be so proud of all of you. May you find comfort in the relationships he has created all of these years and see a glimpse of him every now and then in your own beautiful families. May God bless Gene and you with peace at last.

carl jones

August 23, 2018

he was a good man to work for a great person all around my son and daughter were honored to know him heaven gained a great man

Marlene Sheehan

August 23, 2018

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

jennifer deshaies

August 23, 2018

Mr. Connolly was a great principal he helped me alot when i was in Jr high .he always had a smile on his face .He will be greatly missed .

Susan Washo

August 22, 2018

So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you, Susie Washo

Carol Rivard

August 22, 2018

Patty & Family,
I have great memories of Gene from his Windham days--what a GREAT GUY are the first words that come to mind for me. He was always happy, positive, and a true educator and leader all his life here on earth. Peace be with you all.

Bob & Bridgette Workman

August 22, 2018

Thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this extremely difficult time. May Gene rest in peace

Jess Whitley

August 22, 2018

Mr. Connolly u were an amazing person and a wonderful principal. May u fly high. From jess class of 2005

Elaine Boucher

August 22, 2018

May you rest in peace.

Linda Garland

August 21, 2018

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Donna Mollica

August 19, 2018

Even though Ive known Patty and Gene over 20 years back in the Windham days, its the last 2 years I will treasure the most....our one on one time on Tuesdays.....Oh, Gene I miss you so much... your heroic fight with such a cruel disease...you made us laugh and smile every visit !!!!!!! You are my hero in every way Strength, Courage
You kept us on our toes ,too. If we didnt finish one of our talks ... all the sudden that computer voice ( your response) would be heard Then the laughter !❤
Simply amazing....Pops is right there to welcome you !!!! Thrilled he has someone he can talk seriously about SPORTS !!! Oh yes, and sharing talks about LOVE OF FAMILY
We will all watch over your beautiful family and know they have an angeldoing the same, in you , Gene ... now you are free to Fly like an Eagle Love you til we meet again, Donna Mollica

susan cunningham

August 19, 2018

Gene interviewed me at Gilbert H. Hood Middle School when he was principal there in 2000. He was the warmest and kindest person I had ever meet. I was hired as library assistant. Derry NH lost the best principal they ever had that year in 2002. But Concord won out and the rest is history. God bless you Gene and your family. You truly are a shining star. I think of you every time I drive by your old house in East Derry.

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