Hugh Thomas Connolly

Hugh Thomas Connolly passed away peacefully on Saturday August 16, 2025. He was Born December 16th, 1939, To the Late Jack and Mary (Fagan) Connolly. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and his brother Jack Connolly. Hugh grew up in Youngstown, Ohio in Brownlee woods where he spent most of his days climbing rocky mountain, swinging over the ravine and playing fort games in the woods. His children would agree that one of the many gifts he passed on to them was that he raised them in that same neighborhood that gave them those same experiences, and the best childhood because of it. And in his adult years you could still find him in the back yard on Belden Ave. fixing cars, inventing gadgets and gathering with the neighbors. Hugh made many lifelong friends in Brownlee Woods. He attended St. Nicholas School and church in Struthers, OH., where he remains a Parishioner. He also attended Ursuline High School where he was a standout football player. It was so important to him that his children had the opportunity to have the same Catholic School upbringing as he did, so he sacrificed and worked hard to put all seven of them through Catholic School. He married his wife Frances (Arnoto) Connolly on October 19, 1974. They taught their children what love and marriage meant. He raised his tribe in Brownlee woods and then Hugh and his wife Fran moved to Austintown, OH. in 2009 where they have resided since. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary October 19, 2024, and spent that special day with their children and grandchildren. Together they raised 7 children to include 2 sets of twins and 12 grandchildren. Hugh (Maribeth) Connolly, Sean (Jaime) Connolly, Shannon (Clint) Milliken, Michael (Linh) Connolly, Michelle Wackerly, Patrick (Nicole) Connolly, Bridget (Tony) Stellato. His 12 grandchildren Skye, Shane, Brendan, Gavyn, Cole, Aubrie, Tony, Giada, Camden, Rocco, Gabriella and Ashlyn. He was so proud of his family. He would always say," Frances I am a rich man." He and his wife built a tribe that bared the fruits of his love that lasted his whole life through family gatherings, Sunday dinners, birthdays and Holidays. They always gathered as much as they could. His family was his legacy and brought him so much joy. He raised that family by working for 39 years at Packard Electric, from which he retired from in 2002, and where he also made many lifelong friends. He was able to spend 23 years in retirement with his wife enjoying, gardening, mini vacations to visit their sons in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. They took Casino trips to Mountaineer and Atlantic City and multiple big family vacations to Sandbridge Virginia. Hugh also spent his retirement working on many projects at his own house and on many projects with his sons and son- in - laws. There is at least one piece of craftmanship full of memories of building it with him in each of his children's homes. He truly was a Jack of all trades. If Hugh could not fix it no one could. He took pride in his Irish heritage and St. Patrick Day was one of his favorite days. You could find Hugh celebrating every year with his Irish top hat and singing the song "Oh, Danny Boy" with pure joy and pride. St. Patrick's Day in Hugh's mind marked the beginning of Spring every year. Spring meant he could get back in his yard where he was happiest working. Spring has passed and summer is here. Hugh is now tending the yard in heaven looking down at his family and his legacy knowing that he lived a life worth living. Family and friends may call Friday August 22, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fox Funeral Home in Boardman, and from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. on Saturday Morning at the Fox Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Our Savior Parish, St. Nicholas Church 764 Fifth St. Struthers. Interment will be in Lake Park Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. Boardman. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hugh Thomas Connolly, please visit our floral store.