Sean Connelly

1959 - 2021

Sean Connelly

Turners Falls, MA — Sean Connelly, 61, passed away Saturday August 21st at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton after a brief three-month battle with cancer.

Sean was born Sept. 21st 1959 at the Farren Hospital in Montague Ma to William and Theresa Connelly. He graduated from Turners Falls High School in 1977, Greenfield Community College in 1979, and he received a Business Administration Bachelor's Degree in accounting from UMASS in 1980. Upon graduation, Sean was hired as an auditor accounting firm Arthur Anderson. He passed his CPA exam but ultimately decided he did not want to pursue public accounting. He subsequently moved to S. Bent Brothers in Gardner before landing at Oaks Electric in Holyoke where he stayed for 30 years through the merger into Horizon Solutions serving as Vice President of Finance.

He grew up in Turners Falls alongside his best friend Amy Riel who he ultimately married on October, 10th 1981. Sean stated that vacationing together with Amy and their daughters every summer on Lake Winnipesaukee where the happiest moments of his life. He also treasured the memories of traveling with his family to Ireland, England, Scotland, and Quebec City. No matter where he traveled, big or small, Sean had art museums on his to-do list. Sean loved art. He was a member of The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, The Clark Museum in Williamsburg, and the Rockwell Museum in Sturbridge. Sean also loved spending his leisure time listening to audio books, reading Robert Frost poems and listening to Opera.

A man with a deep connection to religion, Sean practiced his faith through his works in the community. Sean was responsible to help build the Franklin County Community meals program, providing thirteen years of financial backing for the Country Players Theater Group. He also supported many other local organizations including the Our Lady of Peace Social Justice Committee, The United ARC, and local school field trips.

Sean is survived by his wife of 40 years Amy Connelly of Turners Falls; two daughters: Maureen Connelly Grout and her husband David Grout Jr. of Turners Falls, and Emma Connelly of Bernardston; two granddaughters Cosette Grout and Lily Grout of Turners Falls; his mother Theresa E. (Greisbach) Connelly, 95, of Turners Falls; two brothers Michael Connelly and his wife Linda of Honolulu, HI, and Kevin Connelly and his wife Carol of Arlington, VA. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces and nephew. Sean was predeceased by his father William Connelly of Turners Falls and his brother Christopher Connelly of Glastonbury CT.

Sean's family extends an invitation to join them in the celebration of his life and many gifts, which begin on Sunday, August 29, 2021 where they will receive guests in a "walk-through" visitation from 2:00PM until 4:00PM at the McCarthy Funeral Homes, 14 Prospect St., Turners Falls, MA. Due to continuing COVID19 concerns, social distancing and the wearing of masks will be required.

Services will continue on Monday, August 30, 2021, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial to be observed at Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls, MA at 10:00AM, with Rev. Fr. Stanley J. Aksamit, Pastor, as the Celebrant. Rites of committal and interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Turners Falls, MA. Social distancing and wearing of masks will be required.

In remembrance of Sean, donations are suggested in lieu of flowers to the Social Justice Committee at Our Lady of Peace Church 90 7th St. Turners Falls, MA 01376 Funeral arrangements entrusted to the McCarthy Funeral Homes. Guest book and condolence message available at www.mccarthyfuneralhomes.com