Eugene Thomas Connolly, Jr.

Eugene T. Connolly, Jr. (1931-2024)

Eugene T. Connolly, Jr., passed away peacefully after a brief illness on February 2, 2024, just shy of his ninety-third birthday. The love and cheer he shared with his family and friends, his deep faith, and his appreciation for culture and conservation fueled many years.

The son of Ellen Louise (Lane) and Eugene T. Connolly, Gene was born on February 25, 1931, and raised in the sailing capital of Marblehead, Mass. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, Yale University, and New York University Graduate School of Business Administration. In 1959, he and Virginia ("Bunny") Yates married, then lived in Maine before settling in Redding, Conn., where they proudly nurtured a family of six (not including many pets) atop Meeker Hill, where fields, fauna, and fun filled nearly five decades.

In 1991, Gene retired after a successful career as vice president of Citytrust Bank in Bridgeport, but he continued to dedicate his wisdom and energy to many organizations, including the Redding Land Trust, Redding Historical Society, Friends of Kensington Playground (New Haven), and local political campaigns.

A year after his bride of 54 years passed, Gene moved back to "The Elm City," where he enjoyed every day, including activities at his University Towers, nearby St. Thomas More Chapel, and across the Yale campus-meetings, lectures, operas, museum exhibits, hockey games, and more. And he engaged with everyone along the way, from flaggers to pharmacists. His volunteer efforts and leadership throughout his life enriched his communities with contributions that will remain long after his departure.

He is survived by his six adoring children and their spouses, Rachel Hart Connolly (Steve Kwack), Nicholas Duffy Connolly (Mariluz Medina), Deirdre Lane Coughlin (Crosby Coughlin), Virginia Butler Connolly (Owen Cocking), E. Thomas Connolly (Pam Richards), and Andrea Connolly Peabbles (Frank Peabbles); 14 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Sincere thanks to the staff members at University Towers, Yale-New Haven Hospital and The Grimes Center for their wonderful care. A memorial service will be held in April at St. Patrick's Church, Redding, with a reception to follow nearby. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Save the Sound or the Redding Land Trust may be considered. As Captain Gene would say, Alleluia and Blessings to All! His friendship, enthusiasm, and stellar toasts-along with his harmonica-will be greatly missed but fondly remembered.