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John F. Connelly Jr.
1944 - 2016
John F. Connelly Jr.
1944 - 2016
Obituary
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John Connelly Obituary
John F. Connelly, Jr., age 72. Born April 10, 1944 in Jenkintown, PA; and formerly of Mill Valley, CA; Ventnor, NJ; Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia; and Wilmington, DE passed away on August 15 after a brief illness. Mr. Connelly attended Georgetown University and graduated from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia in 1966. After graduating from college, Mr. Connelly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during the height of the war in Vietnam. He attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. After completing The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, Lt. Connelly received orders for Vietnam and relieved President Lyndon Johnson's son-in-law, Captain Charles Robb with the 5th Marines in An Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. Subsequent to his Vietnam service, Lt. Connelly served with the Marine Battalion Landing Team attached to the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean.
After completing his military assignments with the Marine Corps, Mr. Connelly relocated to Marin County with his new wife, Scottish singing star Bernadette Reilly, where he pursued multiple entrepreneurial endeavors including real estate, custom home building and design, a retail women's clothing store (Panache), and eventually became a restauranteur owning The Mountain Home Inn. Mr. Connelly also was a single parent to his first son, John Francis Connelly, lll , starting at the age of 2. Mr. Connelly relocated to Ventnor NJ in the 1980s. He worked in real estate and eventually moved to Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. In 1994, Mr. Connelly married Jane Armstrong of Wilmington, DE. Then his second son, Evan Armstrong Connelly, was born in 1995. After the tragic death of his wife, Jane, in 2002, Mr. Connelly relocated to Wilmington, DE to raise Evan close to his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Armstrong.
Mr. Connelly continued to work as a Project Manager and Business Consultant under the employ of Mr. Harry Halloran for various projects pertaining to Energy Alternatives in different areas of Pennsylvania.
John Connelly was a handsome, charming and considerate man who loved his sons and grandsons intensely. He was passionate about politics and was very proud of his military service and remained active in veteran's affairs. An avid photographer, he also loved to write and his submitted opinions were published frequently in his local newspaper. Mr. Connelly is survived by his son, John Francis Connelly, III, his wife, Jenae Freed Connelly, and two grandsons
Quillan Connelly (age 9) and Henry Connelly (age 3), Additionally he is survived by his son Evan Connelly, who is a senior at the University of Delaware. He is also survived by four siblings.
Viewing Sunday, August 21, 7-9 pm at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. Ph: 302-478-2204
Committal Service Monday, August 22, 11 am, at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery 2465 Chesapeake City Rd. Bear, DE. To send messages of condolence visit www.mccreryan dharra.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
bruce barren
March 27, 2022
John was a man whom I knew since his childhood, a man with a capturing smile and personally. We rowed together at the Penn Athletic Club on the River. When he returned to Philadelphia,
To me, I had the enjoyment of housing he and his son (John III) at my then home on Rittenhouse Square. Naturally, he is missed by many and may he be in Heaven with his parents and sister, Judy for he earned his way with the many people he helped. May you rest in peace. God bless and thank you for the pleasure of having know you.
Eduardo Longoria
August 12, 2019
John became my friend at Georgetown U our freshman year. We got an apartment together our Sophomore year. I wish I had joined him in the grueling sport of crew. Great memories. He was a great man.
jim Butera
June 28, 2019
Found this page today on the anniversary (actually June 27) of Larry Bolger being killed in action in Vietnam. John Connelly, Larry Bolger, Joe Drennan and I graduated from St. Joe's College in 1966 and then into the Marine Corps as 2nd Lieutenants. This was the height of the war in Vietnam so everyone knew where we were going to be (and were) deployed. In May of this year, Joe died at the VA hospital in Coatesville from what the doctors said were aftereffects of Agent Orange. Thinking about both these events caused me to search for John and just know to learn that he had died in 2016. These were great Marines; they lived and died with honor.
Rob Harkins
December 8, 2018
Just Googled John while watching the movie "Zodiac Killer" I remember the stories John told me about the trailside killer (I think that's the one, may have been Golden State killer) when he had just bought the Mountain Home Inn and how the ongoing investigation killed his restaurant business. I remember you he stories he told me about keeping the mice out of his commander's toaster in Vietnam. I remember John the third back in the Ventor days and his entering Vally Forge Military Academy. I enjoyed knowing John and wished I had Googled him sooner so we could have a beer and chat about old times. Thanks John for being in my life.
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Daniel Keating
April 10, 2018
I am not certain if this link works, but we are having our 50th TBS (5-68) reunion this year. John came to our 45th although he was a year ahead of me. Gen. Jim Jones was there and knew many of John's TBS friends. I am the person next to John in the utilities. I hope all is well with John and Evan. I miss your Dad.
Kathleen Easter
December 3, 2016
Dear John, Evan, and family,
I was saddened to recently learn of John's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. I had the good fortune to know John/your father when I resided in Mill Valley, CA. John stood out as a special person with a multitude of talents & gifts. I always admired his courage, vitality for life, and entrepreneurial spirit. Moreover, and most importantly, he was a kind and generous man. I was deeply touched to have witnessed his dedication to his young son John at that time. He always cherished and spoke lovingly about him as I'm certain he did in later years with his son Evan. Please know that John's kindness, caring nature, and generosity will never be forgotten. With heartfelt sympathy.
Kathleen "Kathy" Easter
Eduardo Longoria
October 4, 2016
In my efforts to reconnect with John, I was deeply saddened by his passing. John and I got an apartment our Sophomore year at Georgetown (1963). John had so many attributes. I admired his dedication to the G.U. crew team. I'm so sorry for his family and I'm sorry that I won't be able to reconnect with my old buddy.
August 24, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope Jer. 29: 11,12 brings you comfort during this difficult time.
Kevin & Danielle Sullivan
August 20, 2016
Please accept warm regards following this loss from the Sullivan family of Wilmington. We are thankful for John's service to his country in Vietnam. We appreciated getting to know him and hanging out in the stands during Evan's baseball games in the 2000s+. John, Evan: we know this is so difficult. Please remember the good times. Evan: you have had to deal with more adversity than most of your peers -- losing both parents at such a young age. We know that you will carry on. Please remember -- during the tough moments when you feel down -- that your parents loved you and want you to be happy. You are a special young man. And you are ready for the challenges ahead.
My beautiful friend John Connelly with his beautiful bride Jane Armstrong. RIP John
Gloria Maerz
August 20, 2016
Thanks for Your Service John
Sharon Dacey
August 20, 2016
John Bruce Schmitt
August 20, 2016
The Connelly Family,
John was a classmate of mine at SJU where we graduated in 1966. John made salient and astute commentary in classroom discussions in our business classes. John had an unique personality by dint of his intellect and wit. We had good conversations at lunch on the campus and restaurants off the campus. John had an outstanding Jesuit Education since he attended SJU and Georgetown. I was blessed to have known John,"May John Connelly Rest In Eternal Peace."
August 20, 2016
The Connelly Family,
John was a classmate of mine at SJU where we graduated in 1966.
L l
August 20, 2016
My condolences to you Connelly Family.May the peace from God that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds.Phillipians 4:6
Bob Beaty
August 20, 2016
Dear John and Evan,
I am shocked and sadden by the loss of your Dad.
John and I knew each other through rowing.
We just happened to serve in 1/5 in An Hoa at the same time in 1969. While in Vietnam, John looked after me and I always knew he had my back.
My wife, Ann Toland and I always looked forward to seeing John. He was very proud of his sons. I made sure that our sons met John.
Semper Fidelis!
John Bruce Schmitt
August 19, 2016
The Connelly Family,
John and I were classmates at ST. Joseph College where we graduated in 1966. John was glib and made positive comments in classroom discussions. Sometimes.we would have lunch at Crane's in Germantown,which was a renowned watering-hole. I was not surprised that he joined The Marines since he liked to work out. John and his brother[Robert] were good guys. John had a good Jesuit Education since he attended St. Joe and Georgetown. I was blessed to have known John with his intellect and wit. "May John F. Connelly Rest In Eternal Peace".
Art Bresnahan
August 19, 2016
Dear John, Evan, and family.
My wife Patti and I were blessed to know your Dad at TBS and to meet you both at the reunion and memorial dedication in Quantico. His reunion 'packet' was great and typically thoughtful-a great guy, a great Marine and obviously a great Dad. We are surprised and saddened at his passing
Patti and I will keep him and your family in our prayers.
God rest his soul.
Art and Patti Bresnahan
TBS 6-67
Joseph Egan
August 19, 2016
Dear John and Evan, My deepest condolences for your loss. Through the years I had the pleasure to know how much your Dad cherished you both. Everything he pursued in life began first, with a vision that included his sons. He was a remarkable Father. He was also a wonderful friend who was generous with his time, advise and willingness to help. His friendship will be deeply missed.
Mark & Marianne Imbesi
August 19, 2016
Dear John and Evan,
Please know that you have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Father. John was one of the most charming and kind people we have ever had the leasure to know. May God bless you in this time of sorrow.
David & Susan Jatinen
August 18, 2016
John & Evan,
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of your father. Your dad and I attended Marine Corps basic school in 1967. We had many fond memories from Quantico and Camp Lejuene and also had an opportunity to visit with him in Vietnam. He was always a very warm, intelligent and caring friend. He also had a great sense of humor. My wife Susan and I were honored to have the opportunity to meet you both at the Marine Corps Memorial Reunion at Quantico. It was wonderful to have that weekend together. We will miss him very much.
Dave & Susan Jatinen
August 18, 2016
John was a fine neighbor and great host, who passionately strove to improve our community. We also admired the wonderful job he did raising his son Evan. We will miss him. Our deepest condolences to his family. The Wilkinses
J Gallagher
August 18, 2016
I was shocked to hear of John's very sudden illness and unexpected death. I am very saddened by this news. We were close friends for over 60 yrs. in the past , he will always be remembered by me
I will miss him.
Warm regards and condolences to the family,
Dr. Joe
August 18, 2016
Evan and John,
Your father lived a remarkable life. He was always a thoughtful and engaging companion. I will miss him.
Regards,
Al Doering
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3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803
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