Hugh Connolly Obituary

Hugh Francis Connolly Sept. 16, 1928 - Dec. 27, 2010 Devoted husband, beloved father of five and grandfather to seven, consummate debater, contrarian, crooner, eternal optimist, humorist, instigator, obfuscator, above all, family man. Hugh was born and raised in New York, NY, graduated from Fordham University ('51) with an A.B. in Greek. Following a term in the Army (rank of 1st Lt.), Hugh attended Fordham Law School, earning his J.D. in 1958. Hugh married his only true love, Paulette, and moved to California, where they raised their five children in Hillsborough and Rubicon Bay, Lake Tahoe. Hugh practiced law in Burlingame for over 50 years, first with Anderson, McMillan & Connolly, and later as a sole practitioner. In addition to his legal work, Hugh devoted many hours of his time to volunteer work with such organizations as his beloved Burlingame Civic Club, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, and Easter Seals. Hugh will be terribly missed by his surviving children and their families as well as his many friends in the legal community, S. M. County Board of Realtors, Burlingame Civic Club, and the Irish Mafia. Hugh is survived by his wife of 58 years, Paulette, and his children Colleen, Maureen, Tom and Christopher. He is also survived by grandchildren Deirdre, C.J., Casey, Brady, Ryan, Kelly, and Tarah. Hugh is now harmonizing with his son Brian, who has been sorely missed since 2008. The family is requesting that memorial donations be made in memory of Hugh to the Children's PKU Network 3306 Bumann Rd., Encinitas, CA. 92024. Funeral service will be held Sat., January 8, 2011, 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame, a light reception to follow. COLMA CREMATION & FUNERAL SERVICES www.colmacremation.com

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 30, 2010 to Jan. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Hugh Connolly

9 Entries

Tony Rouse

January 8, 2011

Hugh was instrumental in the development of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul(SVDP)in San Mateo County since the 1960's. His hard work as a volunteer and pro bono attorney resulted in phenomenal growth of membership and services, to keep up with the expanding needs of low income neighbors, to the current level of 1,000 members serving 40,000 individuals with 169,000 instances of service each year. Hugh started as a member of the Our Lady of Angels Conference chapter, Burlingame, and made the typical home visits to individuals in need. He became a Vice President of the SVDP District County Council. In 1964 he was responsible for the incorporation of the SVDP in San Mateo County. He followed that with the difficult process of obtaining the sales tax exemption for thrift store sales based on their rehabilatation services. He was reponsible for the Edna Palmuth legacy trust that has distributed over one million dollars the past 30 years. Until his passing he provided SVDP with pro bono legal advise and representation. I was always inspired by Hugh's recollection of a visit to an elderly gentleman whose greatest wish was to visit the newly built Candlestick Park. Hugh took him! On a personal level Hugh assisted me to succeed in SVDP management and as a volunteer member making home visits. He was a hugh help and inspiration to me that helped me fulfill my mission in life and make my humble contribution the past 35 years to the success of the SVDP to serve our neighbors in need. Words cannot express how wonderful Hugh was to the SVDP and to me and my family and the esteem and love that I have for him. I consider him one of the great individuals of our time. With all my heart I know Hugh is now with our Lord on the eternal side enjoying his loved ones and brothers and sisters in the Family of God that he served so well during his remarkable life. I will miss him dearly and always remember and honor his great contribution to the SVDP and to me. Tony Rouse, CFO - Society of St. Vincent de Paul of San Mateo County

January 5, 2011

Hugh was a very bright and wonderful man. He was also one of the best lawyers I ever
had the pleasure of knowing. He will be sorely missed. Judge Tom Smith (now in NYC)

Irma Dillard, RSCJ

January 5, 2011

Hugh made me laugh! What a wonderful man and friend. I continue to lift you, Paulette and family, up in prayer. We will all miss Hugh so much.
May our God continue to hold you close and comfort you all.
Peace and love always, Irma

Melissa Phillippe

January 4, 2011

What a sweet joy it always was to spend time with "Brian's dad." My blessings to all of the family in this time and always. I know the songs Brian and Hugh are singing together are inspiring all of the angels sing along (between the gales of laughter at their jokes and stories, of course)...

January 3, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to Paulette and the Connolly family. Tom and I have such wonderful memories of Hugh and will miss him - our adviser on so many matters in the past starting with our move to Burlingame in 1964.
Nancy Cullen, now in Indio CA

Jane and Betsy Barber

January 3, 2011

The Connolly family is in our hearts and thoughts.

Patty Gilbert-Murphy

January 2, 2011

Chris-my condolences to you and your family.

Kim Connolly

January 2, 2011

Who could have ever asked for a better father-in-law? I miss you, Hugh.
My,the music you and Brian will make!

Chris Connolly

January 2, 2011

We miss You Pop!