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Joseph CONNOLLY Obituary
CONNOLLY, Joseph Michael
Joseph Michael Connolly, 55, Vernon resident for over 23 years, 6th grade teacher for more than 20 years at Timothy Edwards Middle School of S. Windsor and well-known local theatrical producer and director, died after a brief illness early Saturday morning, (November 12, 2011) at Rockville General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Hartford on July 4, 1956 a son of the late Thomas and Kathryn (Griffin) Connolly. Joe graduated from East Hartford High School Class of 1974 and earned his bachelor's degree in elementary education from Central CT State University Class of 1981 as well as his Masters in education in 1993. From 1985-1987 he taught fifth grade at Milan School in Milan, New Hampshire then he moved to S. Windsor to teach at TEMS and direct the school's Entertainers Program. During his long career, Joe touched the lives of several thousand students. It was obvious to all of his students, colleagues, family and friends that working with kids was where Joe's inner talents and boundless energy truly shined. For the past five years Joe has directed for the East Hartford Summer Youth Festival, along with many other theater groups around New England. Joe has also disc jockeyed for a number of radio stations, directed theater at the Vernon YMCA, and was Assistant Manager of the South Windsor Ten Pin Bowling Alley. Both Joe and Leanne (Dwire) Connolly, his (loving) wife and best friend of 22 years, have been devoted members of the First Congregational Church of Vernon where Joe served as chair of the music board and produced numerous theatrical productions. Besides his wife, he leaves two loving children, Erin Rose and Patrick Thomas Connolly both of Vernon; his six siblings, Joan O'Loughlin and her husband James of Manchester, Thomas Connolly and his wife Carol Vinick of West Hartford, Edward Connolly and his wife Betsy of Cohasset, MA, Nancy Smith and her husband Bill of LaBelle, FL, Kate Bruington of St. Petersburg, FL, and Patricia Hersey and her husband Al of Columbia, MD; Aunt Dottie Griffin of Hampton, NH; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
His funeral will be held on Saturday, November 19 at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Vernon, 695 Hartford Turnpike, (Rt 30) followed by committal prayers and burial at Elmwood Cemetery, located on Cemetery Road, both in Vernon. Relatives and friends may call on Friday afternoon and evening from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., in South Windsor. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe's memory may be directed to the Joseph M. Connolly Family Trust, 51 Riverside Dr, Vernon, CT 06066. For online condolences and guest book, please visit us at www.carmonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph CONNOLLY
dylan sharp
June 20, 2012
The last day of school is just not the same with out him. I will miss him next year!!!!!!!!! I had him on 6th gr. he was a funny guy.
7th grade scarlet team
Alana Fialkoff
December 15, 2011
I had Mr. Connolly as a sixth grade study skills teacher as well as a director for Entertainers for the past two years. He will be greatly missed. One of the most enthusiastic teachers I knew, he made a huge difference for each and every student he worked with. I am deeply sorry for your loss, but know that he will always be watching you from above. God bless you, Mr. Connolly. We all miss you back at TE.
~ Alana Fialkoff, TEMS student
Patti (Young) Hany
November 29, 2011
I knew and loved Joe many years ago when we worked with Dick Sterner, Don Hallquist, Jim Kirchmyer, and many other talented people in East Hartford's Summer Youth Festival. I was an usher for "Pajama Game", and Joe was my mentor. I worked in many shows with him and always loved him. He will be greatly missed, and I'm sorry to hear of your loss.
Sue (Rataic)Beckers
November 21, 2011
May words can't express how I feel,But to the entire Connolly family my prayers and heart go out to all of you. Joe will always be remembered for that wonderful smile and his wonderful spirit he always had. His next journey will be even greater then the one he had here on earth. May God Bless you Joe.
Eleanor Shaffer
November 19, 2011
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Although lossing a loved one is never easy take comfort in knowing that he is in a better place. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers. Eleanor, Skip, Kenny and Daniel Shaffer
November 18, 2011
will be missed
`dylan sharp
tems student
Regina Lee
November 18, 2011
The Lee Family is sad to hear of your great loss. We will keep you in our prayers. Regina and Michael Lee and children, Michael, Christiane, Sofia, and Amie
Megan Cloutier (Sage Team Student)
November 18, 2011
I am saddened at the news of Mr. Connolly's death. He was one of my favorite teachers.
Neil Beaulieu
November 18, 2011
I am so saddened by the loss of Joe. He above all else at Timothy Edwards had the love ,admiration and respect of all who knew him.Joe will be missed beyond words, Joe was a gift to be treasured. He will live in the minds and hearts of thousands of students and staff. He had a profound influence on all who knew him. He always had a smile and kind word and when he spoke we all listened. I will miss you Joe 1436 Mr B
Kathy Gleason Taylor
November 17, 2011
My sincere sympathy for the loss of your husband, father, brother,and so much more. Joe Connolly was the complete package who believed that anything was possible with hard work. I can only imagine the grandeur of his next production.
Stephanie Klaber
November 17, 2011
This is horrific news. Joe was my team leader at TE for several years. After I retired he asked me to come back and be the "Jewish consultant" for his Entertainers production of "Fiddler on the Roof". My husband had just died and Joe wanted to help me feel involved and needed. That was so dear of him. I can't believe he's gone. So now, dear friend, accept this standing ovation at this, your final curtain.
November 17, 2011
Rest in Peace Mr. Connolly
Sage Team Student
South Windsor, CT
Donna Anderson Bell
November 16, 2011
Please accept my condolences. I went to EHHS with Joe and although I moved to Ohio in 1973 several of us kept in touch and I returned for the Senior Ball and graduation in 1974. We had so much fun performing in the musicals. He will be missed.
Christine Vendetta
November 16, 2011
I loved Joe. He was such a wonderful person and taught me a great deal about the theater and encouraged me to reach for things I never would have on my own. He was a pleasure to work with and will always be remembered as a great director to the IVP. As we sang in the Pajama Game, "Sleep Tight" Joe...see you someday on the "bigger" stage. His family are in my thoughts and prayers. He will be missed by all.
November 16, 2011
We are so sad to hear of the loss of your husband, father, relative and friend.
Bob and Debbie (Pascoe) Herard (Pascoag, RI)
Sheri Barna
November 16, 2011
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Joe was one of the most gentle and kind people that I have ever met. His smile and friendly manner will be remembered with affection and admiration. He will not be forgotten.
Maureen Fitzgerald
November 16, 2011
I went to East Hartford High with Joe and also graduated in 1974. Joe and I were the only members of the 'exclusive' PA Club (we made the daily announcements). I remember him as able to see humor in anything and always ready with a smile. I am so sorry for your loss.
lime team student
November 16, 2011
RIP mr.connolly
Paul Haberern
November 16, 2011
So very sorry to read of Joe's passing. We did a number of musicals while in high school with South Pacific one of the more memorable. My condolences to Joe's family and friends.
November 16, 2011
My thoughts and prayers to Joe's family. I will miss him. Always, David E. Prezley (Kuzina)
Leslie Domler
November 16, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies in the loss of such a wonderful man. I will remember his smile and booming laugh that filled the room with happiness during the musicals that he helped Mr. Sterner with at EHHS.
Leslie Power Domler
Tim Healy
November 16, 2011
We were so sad to lear about Joe's passing, Leanne. Chris and I only met him once, but we liked him immediately! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you now, as they've actually been for some time now.
Love,
Tim & Chris
Amanda Johnston
November 16, 2011
Mr. Connolly will always be remembered as my favorite English teacher. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.
-Amanda Johnston
Pat Riordan Miele
November 16, 2011
Leanne, Erin and Patrick and the entire Connolly Family, please accept my sincere and profound sympathy for your loss. Many years ago, I worked with Joe at SW Ten Pin and had the honor to be his bowling teammate on more than one occasion. He taught me to appreciate a good pinball machine too! He was everyone's friend. His bright smile and infectious laugh will be missed.
THE MEASURE OF A MAN
Author: Anonymous
Not - How did he die? But - How did he live?
Not - What did he gain? But - What did he give?
Not - What was his station? But - had he a heart?
And - How did he play his God-given part?
Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer?
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not - What was his church? Not - What was his creed?
But - Had he befriended those really in need?
Not - What did the sketch in the newspaper say?
But - How many were sorry when he passed away?
These are the things that measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
The Staff at Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home
November 16, 2011
Please accept our sincere sympathy during this difficult time.
Jeffrey LaRose
November 16, 2011
So sad to hear of Joe's passing. Worked at SW Ten Pin for many years together. Spent great times at UCONN basketball games. Truly a good kind generous soul, he will be missed. Jeffrey and Marylou (Furbush) LaRose
Janice (Chase) Ball
November 16, 2011
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss of a truly wonderful and kind person. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Joe was the kind of person who will be missed by anyone who ever knew him. He left that kind of heart-print on a person. I have not seen him in many many years, and yet I felt such a great sadness when I learned of his passing. He was funny, warm, sincere, kind, gregarious, and truly cared about every person he knew. His absence in this world will leave a void that will be deeply felt by those who knew him. Leanne and children - I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers in the days to come.
Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home
November 16, 2011
Our sincere sympathies for your loss.
Edward Moreau
November 16, 2011
Joe exuded warmth and was so good at extending a ready hand of friendship. He excelled at making others feel included and important.
Kathy Dillon-Orduz
November 16, 2011
Leanne, Erin and Patrick and the Connolly Family, there are no words for your loss. Joe was one of the kindness friend I have known. I am honored to have known him over the past 30 plus years, first meeting at South Windsor Ten Pin, and staying in touch thru out the years on family updates, etc. He will be missed at TEMS. This man always had a smile on his face, you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this diffcult time.
The Dillon-Orduz Families
Ann Bartlett
November 16, 2011
There is no kinder person in the world then you and I'm honored to have called you my friend and mentor. A light has gone out on the stage of our hearts. I will always miss you and love you.
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