Brian Dale Connolly

Brian Dale Connolly, age 57, of Lake Villa, Illinois, passed away on January 28, 2026.

Brian was a devoted father to his sons who meant the world to him, Braeden and Shae. Brian was also a devoted son, brother, and friend.

Brian started his career in the US Navy as a Machinist's Mate Second Class aboard the USS William H. Standley. He really loved that part of his life.

Afterwards, he worked as a tool maker and machinist in the heavy-manufacturing industry, where he was known and respected for his strong work ethic, quality work, mechanical skill, and dependability. Brian was exceptionally handy and took great pride in his ability to build or fix just about anything.

He loved working on cars, maintaining and improving his home, and tackling any project that needed repair. Whether it was a vehicle, something around the house, or a problem someone else couldn't solve, Brian was always willing to lend his skills and his time. Working with his hands was more than a talent-it was a passion and a defining part of who he was.

Brian is survived by his father, Dennis Connolly; his sons, Braeden Connolly and Shae Connolly; his brother, Sean Connolly; and his sister, Eileen Iles. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ida Connolly, who passed away on July 8, 2015.

A catholic memorial mass will be held at Holy Cross Church in Deerfield on March 14, 2026 at 10am. Following mass, military honors and burial will be at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Brian will be remembered with love and respect, and his legacy lives on in the people he loved and cared for and the many things he repaired and built, throughout his life.