Maurice F. Connolly

Maurice "Fred" Frederick Connolly, age 92, of Westwood, MA, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. He was the beloved father of Carolyn Connolly Liot of East Hampton, NY, and Bryon Connolly of Saranac Lake, NY. Fred is also survived by six grandchildren: Erin Hand, Hannah Liot Whitton, Silas Liot, Karen Liot Hill, Michele Liot Dacuk, and Matthieu Liot, as well as eight great-grandchildren: Harrison and Vega Hand, Simone Whitton, Marina and Zoe Liot/Hill, Aurora and Dax Dacuk, and Gael Liot. Additionally, Fred is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Maureen Rand of Greenport, NY; his sister, Catherine Beatty of Westwood, MA; and his loving partner of ten years, Linda Shwartz of Mattapoisett, MA.

Fred was born in Boston, MA, to Herbert J. Connolly and Frances McCarty Connolly. One of six siblings, Fred was raised in Newton, MA, in a gracious home filled with music and family. Fred was a proud graduate of Cranwell Preparatory School in Lenox, MA, and the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. He also served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army for two years.

Fred’s career was centered around the insurance and financial services industry. With his brother and business partner, he founded several businesses, including MedTac, a pioneering third-party administration company. He was known for his loyalty to his clients, forming lasting friendships throughout his career.

Fred spent much of his adult life in Medfield, MA, where he raised his children with his former wife, Maureen. He also had a cherished home at Popponesset Beach on Cape Cod, where he and his family enjoyed summers boating, sailing, and soaking up the beauty of Nantucket Sound. Being near the ocean and in nature were truly his happy places.

In his later years, Fred was a resident at Fox Hill Village in Westwood, where he became a beloved member of the community and met his current partner, Linda. Fred was known for his deep faith, beautiful baritone voice, and love of music. He sang throughout his life, bringing joy to others with his talent.

A man of great faith, Fred was actively involved in his church community over his lifetime. As a younger man, he volunteered in the prison ministry at Walpole State Prison for many years. He also served as a lay minister and religious education teacher at St Edwards Church in Medfield, MA. In his later years, Fred was a member of St. Margaret Mary’s Church in Westwood where he volunteered as a lay minister, bringing communion to patients at Norwood Hospital. Fred also delighted in singing and dancing with the residents of White Oaks Cottages, where he eventually became a resident himself.

Fred's family and friends will remember him for his sense of humor, generosity, kindness, and deep sense of loyalty. He was genuine, compassionate, and a man of his word. His warm smile and huge heart brightened the lives of everyone around him. He loved life, brought out the best in others, somehow making everyone feel like the most important person in the room.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours in the Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock St., Westwood on Sunday September 14th from 5-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning September 15th at 11am in St. Margaret Mary Church, 845 High St. Westwood. Interment following the Mass at Holyhood Cemetery, Chestnut Hills.