Obituary of James W. Connolly, Sr.

James Warren “Jim” Connolly, Sr. with his family by his side, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, June 24th, 2023. He was born on November 11, 1926, to the late Harry and Annie Magee Connolly. Jim was married for 63 years to the late Mary Theresa Giola. Born and raised in Manchester, Jim and Theresa built a loving home and raised their 6 children there.

A man of faith, character and grace who could regale a story, recite Shakespeare and amuse everyone with his wit and Irish humor. He attended Manchester Elementary, High and Trade Schools. Jim was a member of St. James Church and a founding member of Assumption Church. 

Jim at the age of 17 enlisted and proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, serving as a motor machinist mate, momm3/c. He saw action in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Theaters supporting amphibious operations including the invasion of France and North Africa in Tunisia and Algeria, where he received his First Communion. He was previously employed in the Electrical Department at Cheney Brothers, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, and an Electrical Designer for Combustion Engineering and the UCONN Medical Center.

He was predeceased by his sister Joanie Custer, his brothers William J. “Jack” Connolly and Harry J. “Joe” Connolly. He is survived by his loving children, James W. “Jimmy” Connolly, Jr. and his wife Wendy of Columbia, Marian E. Doucette and her husband Bob of Glastonbury, Angela M. Peretto and her husband Mike of Vernon, Brian E. Connolly and his wife Kim of Vero Beach, Florida, Gary V. Connolly and his fiancé Kim of Wethersfield, and Mark R. Connolly and his wife Gayle of Palmetto, Florida. Jim was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Jim and his family wish to thank all his friends and all those who showed him kindness throughout his long 96 years of life. A special note of thanks to his caregiver Joyce Antwi for her loving and compassionate care. Also, Jim’s grandson “Mikey” and his wife Sarah were always there for our dad and for that we will forever be grateful.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 29th, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Church, 896 Main Street, Manchester. Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. James Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Please meet directly at the church.

In lieu of flowers and keeping with Jim’s wishes, memorial contributions should be made to the Disabled American Veterans D.A.V. at https://www.ihelpveterans.org or DAV - Disabled Americans Veterans. P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.