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Emory University

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Swengel-O'Dell Funeral Home

520 Oak Avenue

Neoga, Illinois

Timothy Connelly Obituary

CHAMPAIGN - In loving memory of Dr. Timothy Connelly, known to many as Tim, who peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, at the age of 74, in Neoga.

He was born on Aug. 7, 1949, in Danville, to his proud and loving parents, Leo and Dolores Holmes Connelly.

Tim's life was one of profound dedication and compassion.

Tim is survived by his wife, Roberta, and their three children, Christopher, Erin and Patrick, whom he loved dearly. He also leaves behind two sisters, Ellen and Kristin, who shared in the joys and challenges of a life well-lived.

Tim's journey was marked by both triumphs and sorrows, having been preceded in death by his first wife, Marcia D. Roemer.

A devout Catholic, Dr. Connelly pursued his education at the University of Illinois, later graduating from Illinois Medical Center in 1974, ultimately completing his postdoctoral fellowship in peripheral vascular surgery in 1980. As a distinguished doctor and surgeon, Tim dedicated his career to the well-being of others, leaving an indelible mark on the medical community. His quiet demeanor masked a wit that could light up a room, while his ornery streak brought a delightful unpredicatability to his character, making memories full of laughter. His patients would find comfort in his gentle bedside manner. Tim's tenure at Carle Foundation Hosptial in Urbana was characterized by an unwavering commitment to healing and a profound impact on the lives he touched. Beyond the hospital walls, Dr. Connelly was a true sports enthusiast, passionately supporting the St. Louis Cardinals and the University of Illinois' Fighting Illini. In his youth, he showcased a formidable fastball, and later in life, he shared his love of sports by coaching basketball and baseball at St. Matthew's Elementary School. He truly loved coaching and was competitive. His appreciation for exquisite dining experiences reflected not only in his choices but also in the warmth he brought to shared meals.

Timothy Connelly leaves behind a legacy of healing, compassion and a deep love for his community. He will be remembered as a skilled doctor, a man of faith, a dedicated sports fan, a beloved coach, a loving father and friend.

Tim's impact on the lives he touched will forever be cherished. May his memory continue to inspire and bring comfort to those who were fortunate enough to know him, may he rest in peace.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News-Gazette on Dec. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Timothy Connelly

26 Entries

David Douglas

March 13, 2024

Tim and I were fraternity pledge brothers... Tim was the tallest, I was the shortest= life-long friends.
I have only good memories of my friend. The world is a better place for his presence among us.
Dave Douglas

Lori Capel

December 15, 2023

I worked in the recovery room at Carle hospital for many years. Dr. Connelly was a remarkable surgeon and well respected. After you understood his personality as a nurse , he became very easy to approach and cared for every patient . He was one of the few surgeons that came into the recovery room to check on his patients. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Colleen Shields

December 12, 2023

I worked at Carle Clinic with Doctor Connelly for many years the staff loved him the patients loved him . He was always wearing a smile . RIP

.

sharon kerlin

December 10, 2023

I worked with Dr. Connelly as a young nurse, so many years ago. He was a kind man, a skilled and compassionate surgeon, educator, and leader.
He had a sly, wicked wit and brightened so many of our days with his humor and pranks. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Howard "Bo" George

December 7, 2023

To Bobbie and children and to Chris and Ellen. I was proud to have Tim as a friend and neighbor in "Rabbittown". Playing catch (watching that formidable fast ball "hop") and playing those competitive wiffle ball games in back yard with John and George are great memories. We played baseball in later years and I will always remember Tim´s competitive and perfectionist spirit. My sincere condolences and May God be with his family at this time.

Sincerely, Bo George

John Sapp

December 7, 2023

Dr. Connolly is the finest physician and person I have ever worked with. He was recognized, trusted and liked by all who were fortunate enough to know him, and those who were fortunate enough to receive his care. He was unbelievably hard-working, skilled and dedicated. Completely true to his patients. I admire him greatly. He made me a better doctor, and a better person overall.
He was also a great person. I valued him enormously, and with affection, as a friend and colleague, as did many others.

David L. Buford

December 6, 2023

Please accept my deepest condolences in the passing of your beloved Ti, He was not only my doctor at one time, he was also my friend. I worked with his mother at the old St. Elizabeth Hospital in Danville and knew his father Leo. They all were grand people who I was fond of. May God keep all of you in His care and you will remain in my best thoughts and prayers.

Elizabeth Nelson

December 6, 2023

Dan and I were so sorry to read the passing of Tim..
Our condolences and God´s Blessings,
Elizabeth and Dan Nelson

Linda Bell

December 5, 2023

I worked for him several years. He was quiet but I loved it when I made him laugh. My prayers and thoughts go out to Bobbie and their children. He will truly be missed.

June Brown

December 5, 2023

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Dr. Connelly. He was a great man and physician.

Art Bartges

December 5, 2023

I remember Tim from playing pony league baseball at producer´s park in Danville. He was also a good basketball player for schlarman. May his memory be eternal.

Jeannie Collins

December 2, 2023

He came down to the heart and vascular building in Mattoon where I worked and it was a pleasure to work with him. My prayers are with you.

Melanie Smith

November 30, 2023

I will be forever grateful that the CV Surgery team, and Dr. Connelly in particular, took me on as a new graduate nurse practitioner in 2001. My experience with this team helped me develop a strong professional practice foundation and work ethic that I carry with me 20+ years later.
A special place in my heart developed for vascular surgery patients because of Dr. Connelly´s mentoring and his dedication to this complex surgical population. He made a difference in the lives of so many patients who were able to preserve quality of life and limbs; they were grateful even if they knew the outcome would only be for a short time.
My prayers go out to him, and to his home and work family. May he rest in peace, and may perpetual light shine upon him.

David Main

November 29, 2023

We go back to high school days in Danville including his dating a very good friend of mine, then took separate paths for college, medical school and early practice years. I was very happy to see hm move practices from Danville to Urbana Carle. We shared many a Cardinal and U of I basketball story. I know him to be a top notch surgeon who was outstanding in the OR, fought for the needs of his patients and was a delight to be around. We especially enjoyed working together in the ICU, managing to have some light hearted moments with the nursing staff and colleagues. Danville and all of the Carle community will miss Tim.

Susie Elliott Jensen

November 27, 2023

I have known Tim my entire life. He was the first boy I ever had a crush on. He was tall and good looking. I have fond memories of seeing him at the ballpark pitching baseball. My family and the Connelly's were friends for many years. RIP.

Ray Wicoff

November 27, 2023

It was my privilege to count Tim as a good friend for nearly my whole life. Tim was modest about his achievements and loyal to his friends. I will miss his humor and company. Rest in peace, my friend.

Cindy Stevenson

November 26, 2023

It was my privilege and honor to work with Dr Connelly in CVICU, Carle Hospital. He was so talented and worked tirelessly at helping his patients. We talked a lot about his kids and their accomplishments over the years. Anyone who worked with him was a much better and more learned practitioner. He will be missed.

Kay Shaner

November 26, 2023

Dr. Connelly was a fine surgeon . When he operated, there was a very fine line to show for it. A caring physician. My sympathies to the family.

Jane Harper

November 26, 2023

Dr. Connelly was so wonderful to my mother, Betty. He performed all of her vascular surgeries and treated her and us like family. He always went above and beyond to help her and we appreciated him more than words could ever say. God bless you for all you did and prayers for God's comfort to his family. - Jane Minser Harper

Christine Holycross

November 26, 2023

Our mothers went to high school and graduated St. Elizabeth Nursing school together. I then worked at hospital and met Tim. I later worked w Ellen at Westville Schools. My Deepest Sympathy to Ellen and family.

Patricia Swingle

November 26, 2023

Dr. Connelly was an amazing, awesome doctor/surgeon. He not only gave his all to his patients but to the families as well.
He truly was "one of a kind" !

Brian Heatherton

November 26, 2023

I was Tim, his sisters and parents´ paperboy while they lived on Bowman Street. I was also good friends with his cousin, Paul. I remember a tall, athletic guy who was friendly though quiet. I later found out, that he´d joined the medical staff at LakeView Hospital.

In my brief time back in Danville, after graduating college while working at DCFS, I met many who spoke of his skill as a surgeon and physician. He was evidence of a life well lived.

Diane Shapuras

November 26, 2023

Condolences to the family. Worked with Dr Connelly in OR in Danville. So sorry to see his passing.

Sharon Truskosky

November 26, 2023

Dr. Connelly was my late husbands doctor. He performed several surgeries which gave my husband a longer time to be with me. He was truly an amazing man and surgeon. May he rest in peace.

Nancy Cunningham O´Kane

November 26, 2023

Tim and I grew up together! Our parents were together almost every weekend! He studied a lot and became a very well respected surgeon. He was very good to my dad! He was instrumental in the establishment of St Thomas More High School! And then there was the "hook shot" at Schlarman High School for those of you in the know!
Rest in Peace, my friend! You are deserving of your rest with our Lord!

Jeannie Cisney

November 25, 2023

As a nurse in the CVICU, I worked with Dr. Connelly for many years. He was a very gifted surgeon and helped to improve the quality of life for countless patients. He learned new surgical techniques and was the first to bring them to central Illinois. I loved how he truly cared for his patients and wanted the best for them. I will always remember him for his sense of humor and how he could be pretty ornery at times. He was so respected and I was very blessed to learn from him.

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