Daniel James Connolly Sr.

Daniel James Connolly, Sr. was born on November 20, 1944 in Boston, MA into a loving and hard-working family. He died after a long and determined fight against cancer in the early morning hours on March 18th, 2009 surrounded by his loving family at his home in North Attleboro, MA where he had lived with his family for more than 33 years.

In 1955 at the age of 11, he moved with his family to the quiet rural town of Wrentham, MA where he could play baseball in the open fields until long after sunset. He lived there with his beloved mother, Helen Long Kelleher and his maternal grandparents, James and Ella (Cunningham) Long and his loving sister, Judith M. Kelleher. He graduated from King Philip Region High School in 1963 and he learned the value of hard work, precision and loyalty from his grandfather, who was a founding member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Daniel joined The Bell System in 1963 and retired 38 years later for Verizon in 2001. During the majority of that time he worked as a Journeyman Cable Splicer where he his attention to detail would serve the company and the communities of Southeastern Massachusetts well. The last few years of his tenure with Verizon was spent as a Safety Inspector, helping to ensure that young technicians knew the craft as well as he himself did. He leaves behind his union brothers from IBEW Local 2325 where he proudly served as a Union Steward for over 33 years.

An avid baseball enthusiast and active Red Sox fan, he coached the youth of North Attleboro through the Little North Attleboro League for over 20 years. In addition to coaching his three sons: Daniel J. Jr, Steven M. and Christopher J. throughout their baseball careers, Daniel taught hundreds of kids along the way not only how to learn the basics but to play baseball “the right way.” And while he thoroughly enjoyed the Boston Red Sox World Series victories in 2004 and 2007, he was eagerly anticipating the chance to watch the Sox on Opening Day one more time with his wife, Patricia, and the rest of his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 45 years: Patricia Ann (Bannon) Connolly; his three sons: Daniel J. Connolly, Jr. of Plainville, MA; Christopher J. Connolly of North Attleboro, MA and Steven M. Connolly of Lynnfield, MA. He is also survived by his “daughter” Lisa M. (Pavelich) Connolly, wife of Steven, of Lynnfield, MA and his two precious grandchildren: Caroline and Kevin Connolly both of Lynnfield, MA.

He is survived by his caring and devoted sister: Judith M. Fenton and her wonderful husband, Mark Fenton, both of Wrentham, MA. He is also survived by his loving aunt & uncle: Mary A. (Long) Allen and her husband, John Leo Allen of Walpole, MA.

He is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in- law and many, many good friends that shared a laugh and a smile together over his too short 64 years.

Daniel was pre-deceased by his mother: Helen Long Kelleher and his maternal grandparents: James and Ella (Cunningham) Long all of whom had resided in Wrentham, MA.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Sunday, March 22, 2009 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM in the “Memorial Chapel” of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home – the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, right at top of exit, ¾ mile on the left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro.

Children’s room available during visitation.

Those in need of a local ride to visitation are welcome to call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation.

Private funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23, 2009 in the “Memorial Chapel” of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home – the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, right at top of exit, ¾ mile on the left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro with the Rev. Michael Carvill, Pastor of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Attleboro, officiating. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to either the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115 or to the Community VNA Hospice Care, 10 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA 02703.

For additional information and/or to sign the online register book for Mr. Connolly, please visit www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.