Ryan C. Connolly

Ryan C. Connolly ObituaryRyan Christopher Connolly, 55, of Long Branch, NJ, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by
his loving family and some lifelong friends. He courageously fought a nearly three-year battle with
cancer.
He was born on June 19, 1970 in New Brunswick, NJ and grew up in Monroe Township. He was a
graduate of Monroe Township High School Class of 1988 where he played soccer for many years and
along with his teammates, were the first inductees into the MTHS Hall of Fame, most notably as the
1987 State Co-Champions.
He had a thirst for learning and completed many certifications in his Information Technology field. His
early career days began at Middlesex County Improvement Authority with some consulting in
between until he landed at ANSI in NYC where he spent the past 17 years.
He was a graduate of Rutgers University with a B.A. in Business and an MBA from Texas A&M
University. His further pursuit of his masters in Cybersecurity at Georgia Tech was cut short due to his
cancer diagnosis and aggressive treatment plan.
He was a free spirit and always loved a new adventure whether it was bungee jumping, snorkeling,
scuba diving, racing a Ferrari in Dubai, exploring European cities, museums, snowmobiling, or riding
UTV's in the desert, he was always packed and ready. He enjoyed Broadway shows, firepit nights,
beach days, boating, fishing, riding motorcycles, blending up frozen margaritas, sipping his old
fashioned and grilling on the BBQ. He loved soccer and was a devoted follower of Manchester
United and even traveled to the UK to see them play. He attended many Yankee games and concerts.
You could always rely on him to lend a helping hand, take a road trip, crack his one liners and jokes
with his quick wit, and undoubtedly put a smile on your face no matter what. He had the most
incredible memory and did not forget anything. He was the smartest guy you could know and was
everyone's go to IT guy. He always had the latest and greatest gadgets.
Besides his family, girlfriend, and dog, his two greatest loves were traveling the world and cars. He
always showed up and surprised us with a new sports car or motorcycle. We lost count on how many
different vehicles he owned. Some of his favorite travel destinations were Cape Town South Africa,
Europe, Ireland, Iceland, Costa Rica, Upstate NY, Block Island and Cape May. But you could always
find him in the summers on the beach hanging with friends at Monmouth Beach.
He had the most friends of anyone and many were lifelong friends. Everyone he met no matter when
in life, whether it was from his early years, the neighborhood, HS, college, summers, work, or friends
of friends, he valued every friendship and was loved by all. He was the kindest and most generous
soul you could cross paths with.
He leaves behind his loving mother, Joanne Connolly, and stepfather, Stephen Carnes, his father,
Robert Connolly and partner, Rita Balcom. His sister Jill Caraway, niece Morgan Caraway, nephew
Dylan Caraway, his lifetime friend Dan Hogan, his girlfriend Daria Young and his beloved dog, Stella.
He also leaves behind his loving aunts, uncles, cousins and their families.
A celebration of his life will be planned.
The family requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Ryan's memory.
For condolences please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
Ryan Christopher Connolly, 55, of Long Branch, NJ, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by
his loving family and some lifelong friends. He courageously fought a nearly three-year battle with
cancer.
He was born on June 19, 1970 in New Brunswick, NJ and grew up in Monroe Township. He was a
graduate of Monro