Reverend Thomas W. Connolly

Born in Fall River, son of the late Francis A. and Agnes V. (Fallon) Connolly, he was a graduate of the former Sacred Heart Grammar School, and Msgr. Coyle High School. His pre ecclesiastical studies were done at Providence College and his Theological studies were done at St. Francis Seminary in Loretto, PA.

Fr. Connolly was ordained to the priesthood on March 29, 1952 in St. Mary’s Cathedral by Bishop James L. Connolly, Bishop of Fall River and his first mass was celebrated in his home parish of Sacred Heart Church. He was sponsored By Bishop William O. Brady of Sioux Falls So. Dakota. He served in the Diocese of Sioux Falls So. Dakota for 43 years and his last service was in Florida for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. While in Florida he served at St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Vincent de Paul Churches both in Holiday, FL.

When the Quequechan Fire Station, closed Fr. Connolly took the bell from the station to St. Mary’s Church in Bryant S. Dakota and had it installed in a new bell tower which he had constructed. He also served in St. Martin Church in Emory S. Dakota for 15 years.

Fr. Connolly was a member of the Rotary Club of Gettysburg , So. Dakota and also a 4th Degree Member Knight’s of Columbus St. Thomas Aquinas Council #11497 in New Port Richey, FL. He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church most recently while living in Florida.

Surviving: 2 nieces Mary C. Wilbur of Fall River, Catherine Fadden of Hudson, FL, 3 nephews Frank A. Connolly of Hermon, ME, James B. Connolly of Fall River and William F. Connolly of Little Compton, RI, 2 former sisters-in-law: Rosemary Connolly and Claire Braconnier both of FL, several grand nieces and nephews and many great-grand nieces and nephews. He was brother of the late Francis A., James B. and Raymond P. Connolly.

His Funeral will be held Monday, March 7, 2011 at 9:00 AM from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at CHERRY PLACE 178 Winter Street Fall River, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart Church, Linden Street, Fall River. Visiting hours Sunday from 2-5 PM. Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River.