Edward F. Connolly M.D.

1940 - 2024

Edward F. Connolly M.D.
11/04/1940 - 09/24/2024
Dr. Edward "Ned" F. Connolly passed away suddenly on September 24, 2024, of natural causes. He lived a noble life and brought joy to those around him. Always a strong and steady presence in the best of times and the worst of times, he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Dr. Connolly was born and raised outside of Boston in Medford, MA, the youngest of five children, to Elizabeth and Harold Connolly. He was predeceased by his parents; and his older siblings, Harold Jr., James, and Phyllis (Dempsey); and former wife, Debbie (Hunkele). Dr. Connolly is survived by his wife of 30 years, Yolande (Wilhite); and their daughter, Ryan Connolly; his three children from his first marriage, Sean Connolly, Kristin Barnes, and Eli Connolly; grandchildren, Shamus, Brenna, and Asher; many nieces and nephews; and his sister, Dorothy Conroy, of Arlington, MA.
Ned was a three-letter varsity athlete and standout Quarterback at Malden Catholic High School (MA) ('58) and Kimball Union Academy (NH) ('59). He graduated from Suffolk University (MA) in 1966, and earned his Medical Degree from Temple University in Philadelphia in 1970. Days after his graduation from medical school, Ned set out to San Francisco in a red VW bus with his wife, Debbie; their three children, Sean, Kris, and Eli; two cats; a dog; and a hitchhiker named Kent. The family settled in Berkeley, CA. Ned served his Pediatric residency at Children's Hospital in Oakland and was appointed Chief Resident of Pediatrics in 1972. Ned was devoted to community-based medicine and ran clinics in West Contra Costa County for almost 45 years. Dr. Connolly was a member of the American Board of Pediatric Diplomates and an attending physician at Brookside Hospital in San Pablo, Children's Hospital in Oakland, and Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, until his retirement in 2016.
Pediatrics was his calling. Ned was a skilled and compassionate doctor who never turned a family away for lack of resources. His phone was always at his bedside and he never failed to answer a midnight call for service. He sought no recognition for his oftentimes heroic and tireless work, and took great pride in caring for generations of underserved families.
Ned was patient and full of good advice, and always lent an ear to those who needed to be heard. He loved conversation and sharing stories, especially with his grandchildren. He was a great fan of all sports, especially at playoff time. He took great pleasure in playing in the same fantasy hockey league with his son and grandson, and took greater pleasure in beating them. Ned loved visiting Cape Cod and ME each year to be with his family and beloved college friends, many of whom predeceased him. May he reunite with them now on a cottage porch overlooking a warm breezy beach to continue their long discussions. Services pending. Dr. Connolly will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford, MA. The family asks that any donations be made in Dr. Connolly's memory to Shriners Children's Hospital of Northern California.