Charles Francis Conneely

CONNEELY, Charles Francis (lovingly known as "Charlie" or "Chal"), 81, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on August 24, 2025 in Napa, CA. Charlie was a native and longtime resident of San Francisco, was born the third of five children and the first of fraternal twins on March 9, 1944 to John Joseph and Catherine Mary (Costello) Conneely. He attended St. Anne's Grammer School, St. Joseph's Seminary, and graduated from St. Ignatius High School. He attended USF where he played basketball and ran track. He was a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and boundless generosity who lived a life rooted in kindness, humility, and service to others.

From a young age, Charlie's joyful spirit was unmistakable. Alongside his twin brother Dudley and older brother Jack, he danced his way through Irish jig competitions and tap performances across San Francisco. At age six, he earned a role in the Broadway summer stock production of The Chocolate Soldier at the Curran Theater, becoming a member of the Actors Union and launching a lifelong working career. That same year, Charlie and Dudley were named "The Jackie Twins of the Year," appearing in the press with Mayor Elmer Robinson and the USF football team.

Charlie was also a gifted athlete, known for his unselfish play and team-first mentality. Whether on the basketball court, football field, or soccer pitch, Charlie was the one who passed the ball, set up the play, and made others shine. He was a true assist man-generous in sport, just as he was in life.

His spiritual journey was central to who he was. Charlie studied for the priesthood at St. Joseph's Seminary and later at Maryknoll College in Illinois, where he played midfield (#10) on a soccer team that defeated top-tier universities like Notre Dame, Northwestern, and Wisconsin. Though he chose a different path, Charlie remained a devoted Catholic throughout his life, turning his faith into action and advocating for justice and peace wherever he went.

Charlie was extremely intelligent. He was sharp as a tack, had a quick wit even in the twilight of his life. He exercised his mind daily by reading the bible, playing chess, sudoku, card games, and completing crosswords and find-a-word puzzles. As an adolescent, Charlie won and was crowned as California State Chess Champion for his age group. He loved math and sciences and would regularly help with homework and school projects. Over the years, he amassed enough college credits for two degrees but never finished. It was at this time Charlie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country as a Second Lieutenant during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Da Nang and oversaw the motor pool division which delivered combat supplies up and down the Ho Chi Minh Trail to his fellow veterans fighting on the front lines. He was a decorated soldier but upon his return, he never spoke about his time overseas.

Charlie was very handy and resourceful with tools and was the first to help a family member or friend with any type of project. Over the years he built patios, awnings, outdoor barbeques, lighted brick columns, bird cages, poured concrete driveways, and decks to name a few. Many of his projects are still around today. He was the epitome of "pride of ownership." Saturday mornings during the Fall, Charlie was up early with his son mowing and edging the lawns and doing various household chores and projects. They would always take a midmorning break to watch the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football game on television.

His working career spanned over 41 years. Charlie spent 14 years with the Teamsters Union where he drove truck for Pepsi Cola Company and then Laura Scudders Potato Chips. The last 27 years of his career was spent in the Retail Clerk's Union where he worked as a Produce Department Manager for companies such as, QFI, Inc., Cala Foods, Andronico's, and Safeway. He was a loyal and trustworthy employee who never called in sick and was never afraid to put in a hard day's work. One of his nephews repeatedly says that "The day I worked with Uncle Charlie on his truck route, was the toughest day I ever worked in my life." He made many lasting friendships with co-workers over his various employments such as Abe Fontanilla and Frank Maldonado.

Charlie was an avid sports fan. He could be found at any moment watching or following any type of sport. He loved to compete. Moreso, he enjoyed watching professionals compete for their sport's ultimate trophies and titles. He and his brothers ran the games at places like Sunset playground and other playgrounds across the city. They were always near the top of their class at the Seminary's annual intramural competitions. He loved to play basketball, baseball, and excelled at running track. Charlie rooted for any team from the Bay Area, especially the Giants, 49ers, Warriors, and Sharks. Being proud of his Irish heritage, he closely followed the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, The Boston Celtics, and all the professional Irish leagues and teams back in Ireland. He was deeply passionate about Irish Hurling, and Irish football. He always supported the maroon and white colors of Galway. At the international level, he passionately rooted and cheered for the athletes and teams representing the USA and Ireland.

His passion for sports, mixed with his keen, intellectual style, prompted him to coach many of his son's sports teams; from youth soccer, to Boys & Girls Club (and later CYO) basketball, to T-ball and later baseball. Charlie could regularly be found on a sideline, dugout, or bench instructing, developing, and mentoring his players. He had an eye for talent and could develop anyone to be a successful athlete. As a result, his teams won multiple championships during his coaching career.

Being a deeply religious person, Charlie was a devout Catholic who attended mass every day and prayed the rosary several times a day. His selfless nature was exemplified by daily trips around the Yountville Veterans Home after the morning mass spreading the gospel and word of God to those veterans who were bedridden and couldn't make it to mass. He constantly prayed the rosary with them and bought them subscriptions to Catholic prayer books and periodicals. He loved the Blessed Mother and prayed to her daily.

Charlie was extremely proud of his Irish heritage. He was first with an Irish joke or anecdote. He was well versed on Irish history and would never miss a moment to educate someone about the war and struggles back there. Over a span of 15 years, he made annual trips back to Ireland bringing gifts and goods from the USA to his family and friends. He supported and prayed for the unification of Ireland. He loved his Irish rebel music: The Wolfe Tones, The Clancy Brothers, Tommy Makem, and the Dubliners to name a few. He loved entertaining guests with his countless hours of Irish music which he had loaded onto an 8mm reel-to-reel stereo system that he brought home from Okinawa.

It would be fair to say that Charlie faced many obstacles and challenges in his lifetime. His strength and determination mixed with his unmatched devotion to God, got him through even the toughest of aversities. He was proud (but also both humble and grateful) to have fought and beat Cancer. Twice. He fought all the way to the end. Never complaining, never fussing, just trusting in God with poise and grace.

Charlie is predeceased by his parents, John J. "Con" and Catherine "Momo" Conneely; sister, Barbara Leedom; brother, Jack Conneely; nephew, Samuel Sebastiani; and his "favorite" aunt and uncle, Julie and Charlie Regan.

He is the loving and devoted father of, Patrick Duffy (Heather) Conneely; idolized "Daddo" (Gaelic for grandfather) of: Bailey Kathleen and Bennett Stephen Bronston, and Kellan Francis and Mackenzie Josephine Conneely. He is also survived by his twin brother, Dudley (Mary) Conneely, brother, Tom (Bernie) Conneely; his nieces and nephews: Maria Luz (James) Hendy, Shane, Heather (Jose Barria), Danica (Mike Guerrero), Tamara (Boima Tucker), Natalie, Casey, John (Maria), Matt (Jodi), Brian (Berbel), Todd (Sara) Conneely, Lisa (Mike) Mertens, Joseph Sebastiani, Moira Sebastiani Kelly, and Jennifer (David Theno) Conneely, and Fiona Conneely and Rowan Theno. Charlie is also survived by many cousins and extended family members across the nation and in Ireland: John Joe Conneely, Maureen Macmyler, and Reitlan and Yvonne Flaherty. Chal also leaves behind numerous friends, faculty and fellow veterans of the Yountville Veterans Home where he resided over the last 13 years- especially good friends Becky and Heidi. Charlie was lucky to have many childhood (that became lifelong) friends like: Tom McGuire, Tom Brady, Steve Dells, Pat Clorhety, and Bill Isetta.

Friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. when a rosary service will begin at 5:00 p.m. at Duggan's Funeral Service, 3434 Seventeenth Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. Most Holy Reverend Fr. Brendan McBride will officiate a traditional Catholic funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at St. Anne of the Sunset Catholic Church, 850 Judah Street, San Francisco, CA 94122. Charlie will be laid to rest near his parents and brother immediately following mass at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 1500 Mission Road, Colma, CA 94014. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Charlie's honor can be made to the Kellan and Mackenzie's Conneely College Fund account at Redwood Credit Union, Santa Rosa; or his twin brother, Dudley's non-profit Eyeshine.org. Inquiries can be directed to Duggan's Funeral Service at (415) 431-4900.

Charlie was a devout, selfless person who lived with grace and humility, gave with love, and left behind a legacy of quiet goodness. His spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts and conversations of all who were lucky enough to know him. In honor of Chal, listen to some Irish music, remember the 10 commandments, occasionally check in with God, and do something selfless and nice for someone. He called them "RAKs" (Random Acts of Kindness). "50-50s, My Guy…" Slainte!