Richard Connole

Richard Connole, 72

Millbury - Richard Connole, 72, of Millbury, MA, formerly of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 7, 2016, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Worcester on April 8, 1944, son of the late Dennis J. and Mary C. (Palumbo) Connole.

Rick's greatest legacy are his children and grandchildren: Bridget West and husband Kenneth of Westborough, Meghan Prunier of Millbury, with whom he lived, and John Connole and wife Catherine of Dudley; grandchildren: Emma West, Cara Prunier, Colin West, Paul Prunier, Abigail, Lily, and Jack Connole. He leaves his siblings: Dennis Connole and his wife Joyce, Debby Coakley, Joseph Connole and his wife Maureen, Kathleen Senior and her partner Don Tufts; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, including cousin and dear friend Matthew Palumbo. He also leaves his companion Anita Phelan and his former son-in-law, Eric Prunier.

Rick graduated from Saint Stephen's High School, Worcester Junior College, and Peru State College in Nebraska. He received his Master's Degree in Education from Fitchburg State College in 1973 with a certification in Guidance. Rick was a long time elementary educator and counselor, spending his first few years in the Leicester Public Schools before moving to the Worcester Public Schools. He retired in 2005 after 35 years of service. He touched the lives of many children and felt honored to make a difference in their lives. He was a proud NEA, MTA and EAW member, serving as an EAW officer for several years.

After his family, baseball was the second love in his life. Rick garnered many accolades and awards including "All City Second Base" in 1961 while playing for St. Stephen's. He played for Worcester Junior College, Peru State College and the Harwich Mariners in the Cape Cod League. After baseball, he played softball in many Central MA leagues, up until just a few years ago. He coached varsity baseball at Doherty High School from 1985-89, resigning his position so that he could follow his children's high school and college sports. In recent years he enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their activities as well.

Rick was passionate and knowledgeable about music, and enjoyed talking about his favorites - Elvis, Buddy Holly, and Bob Seger. He enjoyed listening to their music in the last few hours of his life. He also loved sports, especially the Boston Red Sox and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He made friends everywhere he went and truly cared about getting to know others, from complete strangers to friends of friends.

There was so much more to Rick's life than can be condensed into this page. We hope all who knew him will share a memory, kindness or "Rick story" today.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rick's family on Friday, November 11, 2016 from 3:00-6:00 PM in the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn. A prayer service will follow at 6:00 PM in the funeral home. Burial in St. John's Cemetery will be private at the convenience of the family. To leave a note of condolence for Rick's family or to view his Book of Memories, please visit www.brittonfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick's memory may be made to the McAuley Nazereth Home for Boys, 77 Mullberry Street, Leicester, MA 01524.