Mark S. Connolly

Mark S. Connolly, a longtime resident of Quincy and formerly of Dorchester and Ballyconneely, Co. Galway, Ireland, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Mark was born in Ballyconneely, Co. Galway, Ireland, to Mary (Burke) and Peter Conneely. He moved to the United States in 1969, where he met his wife, Norma (Hegarty), the love of his life. Together they made their home in Dorchester and later in Quincy, and they were blessed with five children.

If you met Mark, you remembered him by his iron handshake — a greeting that spoke of his strength, sincerity, and steady character long before he said a word. Dependable and generous by nature, he was always willing to lend a hand to a neighbor, friend, or family member. He had an easy way with people and lived his life guided by a strong Catholic faith.

For over 40 years, Mark worked as a laborer with Local 223, a career he was deeply proud of and one that reflected his unwavering work ethic.

Above all else, Mark was a devoted family man. He shared 55 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Norma, and led by example as a father. Nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with his grandchildren. He found happiness in the simple pleasures of life — tending to his yard, taking walks with Norma along Wollaston Beach, cheering on his favorite Boston sports teams, and returning home to Ireland whenever he could.

Mark’s life was defined by love, loyalty, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Mark is survived by his wife, Norma (Hegarty) Connolly; five children, Maura Kazorek and her husband Steve of Plymouth, Agnes Connolly of Quincy, Linda Webber and her husband Jamie of Quincy, Mark Connolly and his wife Katy of Hingham, and Peter Connolly and his wife Erin of Braintree; and his grandchildren Kelley, Matthew, Patrick, Maggie, Liam, Nora, Maeve, Caoimhe, Niamh, Mairead, Annabel, Maya, and Christopher. He is also survived by his brothers Andrew Connolly of Weymouth and his late wife, Mary; Eddie Conneely of Ireland; and Joseph Conneely and his wife Angela of Ireland, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mary (Burke) and Peter Conneely, and by his siblings Bridgie King, Maureen Sharkey, Anne Sullivan, and Peter, Michael, Martin, John, and Matthew Conneely.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to gather during visiting hours on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock Street, Quincy. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Ann’s Church, Quincy, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark’s name may be made to the ALS Therapy Development Institute.