Patrick John Connolley

Patrick John Connolley, 45, of Kuna, Idaho, died due to a swimming accident on July 10th, 2010 near the Twin Bridges, White Bird, Idaho. Pat was born on Aug. 1st, 1964 in Geneva, Ill. to Andrew and Nancy Connolley. He moved to White Bird, Idaho in 1973 with his family where he attended schools in White Bird, Riggins and Grangeville. He graduated high school in Grangeville in 1982. He attended ITT Tech in Spokane, Wash., graduating with an AA degree in Electronic Engineering in 1991. Pat then attended ITT Tech in Denver, Colo. where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering in 1992. Pat then moved to the Boise, Idaho area in 1992 at which time he worked various jobs in the electronics field. In recent years he worked alongside his father in the telephone business. Pat is survived by his wife of 20 years Cheryl, his daughter Ashley, his son Andrew and his step-children Ty, Travis and Britni. He is also survived by his parents Andrew and Nancy, sister Tami, brother Mike (Tara), nephews Silas, Spencer and Hunter and niece Naomi. Pat enjoyed life. He loved his family and good times on the river. He enjoyed music, motorcycles and spending time with friends and family. He loved going to concerts and hanging out with his best friend, his son Andrew. Pat had a heart of gold. He was always there to help his friends and family. Everyone knew they could always count on Pat. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank Aaron Clark and the Joe Anderson family for their efforts trying to rescue Pat. They would also like to thank the EMT's and other emergency personnel. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Pat Connolley Memorial Fund at US Bank for his children's college educations. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 14th, 12 p.m. at the Grangeville Christian Church, 402 West South 1st Street, Grangeville, Idaho, with Pastor Harold Gott officiating. Lunch will follow the service at Lions Park. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.blackmerfuneralhome.com.