Robert Joseph Connelly

I knew Bob in a little different way from most of our classmates; he was my fellow inductee into the Mother of God choir. I'm not sure if he felt the same, but I thought of as two young inmates in a collection of old ladies. Once I bought him a gift of an unmarked can from the gourmet food department at May D&F, where I worked. It turned out to be fried grasshoppers. I even got a ride in the baby blue Buick with seat covers to protect the upholstery and towels to protect the seat covers. God bless you, Bob.

Bob was a classmate of mine for my last two years at St. Francis de Sales when my family moved to Denver halfway through high school. I was nervous about changing schools and the city in which I was moving and Bob was very kind and helpful to a newcomer. Bob and about 15 other guys became very good friends during these two years. About halfway during our Senior year Bob turned on a switch and devoted about 100% of his efforts to academics and he rode this passion to Regis and then St. Louis U. I can only second what our classmate Larry Tucker said about all that Bob has accomplished. I am proud to have known Bob and called him my friend.

We at St Francis High School, Denver, CO., never dreamed that any of us would reach the heights that Bob reached in service and significance that Bob reached. Many of us have done well in our own estimation but few matched Bob. His passing leaves a huge void!
Larry Tucker, class of '57.

Bob was a dear friend from the 6th grade at St.Francis school in Denver. I remember him being the biggest guy on our football team. I remember him singing an Elvis song at a talent show and I painted the sideburns on him. My condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren. Rest in Peace buddy.

Bob has been a friend since grade school days at St. Francis De Sales Through high school, boy scouts and loads of hanging out time. His mother was a second mother to many of us, may the Connelly's all rest in Christs peace.

MUSIC BOX

[in memorium, Dr. Robert J. Connelly, 1939-2016]


is everything meant to stop, then start again
like a music box repaired how could I wonder
when you had gone and there was no more rewinding;

at the edge of autumn edged in a pain fine as gold
because it was yours and the way cleared.
is this where the cacti bloom I thought

in my room hearing news you had died.
what's death you always asked each classroom day
through intimation or indirection's way

and praised our poetry, the small steps
we took, with a gladdened look.

you lived when we bent our heads in the sunlight,
questioning,

your students
who couldn't comprehend yet
the truth there was in books

raveling out into the yard.

now you are There

and know what we learned to think of
at odd moments perhaps
more than before, in full.

more than ever now I seem to know
we never lose consciousness, grief or joy
stepping from gold to a finer gold refined

at our appointed hour.

mary angela douglas 16 october 2016

Well, I was taught philosophy and so much besides by Dr. Robert J. Connelly so many years ago, from 1970-1972 at Fontbonne College in St. Louis and I can say that no one of my teachers ever made the impression he made in his classes. Somehow he created a kind of golden atmosphere where it seemed all things were possible in learning and in life at the same time. He had an incalculable gift. The memory of that gift has sustained me all my life and lightened the way to lifelong learning for me even in times of hardship. He was born to be an unforgettable teacher and if there are universities in Heaven I am certain he will be teaching there as well. I could say a lot more but somehow I feel Dr. Connelly, modest as he was would want me to just let it be. God bless his dearly loved wife Kathleen, all his children and grandchildren always is my sincere heartfelt prayer and every student he ever taught or, as in my case, greatly encouraged. We will all meet again. With love and respect and honor.

Mary Angela Douglas 10 October 2016

I was so sorry to learn of Bob's passing. He was such an important part of Incarnate Word. So many will miss his teaching and leadership. Prayers for Kathi and family. May God be with you, especially in this time of sorrow.