Col. Frank Perry Connelly Jr., Ret.

Col. Frank Perry Connelly, USA Retired, died peacefully on August 18, 2021 after a brief illness. Frank led a life in service to others. After graduating from the University of Colorado in Denver, he joined the U.S. Army and began what would become a highly decorated 35 year career. Frank served in the Asiatic-Pacific theater of World War II, in the liberation of the Philippines, and in Japan during the occupation. He served in both the Korean War and Vietnam. During the Cold War, he was stationed in Guatemala and Brazil as a Military Attaché and Foreign Service Officer.

Well into his 70’s, Frank enjoyed an annual two week fishing and camping trip in British Colombia with friends. When not fishing, he loved to drive: he and Dyan bought a converted coach and traveled the United States. He kept his family informed during these adventures with expressive hand-written “Dear Ones:” letters, which were copied and mailed to his family near and far. He was a gifted writer.

Frank served not only as a soldier but as the consummate diplomat, always with a steady hand and clear purpose. Most of all in his 99 years, Frank was an inspiring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Frank found his sanctuary in Hot Springs, Virginia where he and Dyan cultivated a life energized with family, friends, arts, and spectacular pancake breakfasts, his favorite. Now in his final posting, he will be forever remembered at his happiest, enjoying sunny days on the patio there with family and friends and a view over the valley, smiling.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Phyllis, his brother Richard, his wife of 39 years, Dyan, and his adoring daughter Cathy.

Frank is survived by a son, Frank Connelly III of San Antonio and grandson Frank Connelly (Meghan) of Morgan’s Point, TX; daughter Helen Crouse (Bob) and granddaughters Sophie and Charlotte of Raleigh, NC; grandsons Adam Goldberg (Nicole) of Rumson, NJ and Jeffrey Goldberg (Tracy) of Arvada, CO, and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers please consider a gift in Frank’s name to Transitions LifeCare of Raleigh, 250 Hospice Cir., Raleigh, NC 27607.

Burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh.