John Michael Connelly Sr.

March 11, 1945 – Oct. 8, 2014

John Michael Connelly was a lifelong resident of Mobile, Alabama. He was a resent resident of the Veterans Living Facility at Biloxi, Mississippi where he enjoyed the care of a professional and concerned staff of nurses and doctors, greatly appreciate by him and his family.

Mike passed away quiet unexpectedly from an accumulation of health issues in the late hours of Oct. 8th at 11:46 pm. He was surrounded by his immediate family and passed peacefully. Greatly appreciated is the care he received from the Veterans Facility in Biloxi and the ICU nurses and doctors at Gulfport Memorial Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife; Linda Diane Smith Connelly; grandmother, Stella Brannan Lott; aunts, Willie Mae Lott, Mary Estelle Lott Gartman and mother, Ruth Lott Connelly. He is survived by his children, Michelle Marie Connelly (Shayne) Lovitte, John Michael (Julie) Connelly, Jr.; sister, Mary Andrea Connelly Grimes; brother, Frank A. Connelly; grandchildren, Rachael Diane Lovitte and Avagrace Connelly.

One of Mike’s true prides and joys was his children and he worked tirelessly to assure they had a good life, surrounded by a loving family, ensuring that he was always there for them as they experienced life at every age with unconditional love.

Michael was a man who understood the value of a hard day’s work and was employed as a young man by Naman’s Grocery Store located on south Board Street. In many respects Alec and Tony Naman grew to look on Mike as more than an employee but as a member of their family, this being a confirmation of Mike’s unique personality.

Michael like so many young men of the 60’s answered the call of his Nation to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served his country honorably In the United States Army as a Specialist 4, in the 9th Infantry Division as a cannoneer and radio operator. This proved to be and influential and life shaping experience. From receiving his draft notice just 16 week later he was in Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Mei Kong Delta in the middle of a war. Mike was in country during 1968 and 1969 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal for what can only be described as intense jungle warfare. One can scarcely imagine facing the sudden change from the ideal peaceful life in America to the unholy, savage fighting to survive on a daily basis in Vietnam and the toll it exacted on these brave, young American Soldiers. Mike like so many Vietnam Veterans was affected, haunted by their war experiences and only a fellow Veteran could comprehend the struggles those experiences exacted during their daily lives, by just the smell of a simple odor, the backfire of a car, or the approaching sound in the distance of a helicopter’s rotors. Mike worked on establishing the Vietnam War Memorial located at Battle Ship Park and that was something he took great pride from, a monument to the brave young fallen Heroes of the Vietnam War from our area of the country.

He spoke sparingly of those times but when he did, it was with heart felt remembrances of those great young men, friends, warriors, his fellow soldiers, his Brothers forever a part of his soul.

Through all this Mike like so many others worked tirelessly to provide for his family, a dedicated 25 plus year employee with the Mobile Water Works, serving their communities in so many ways, Little League, feeding the less fortunate at the Rescue Mission, and always taking pride in serving the United States of America at one of its most challenging times.

Mike possessed such a kind heart, a most human trait of compassion, an infectious sense of humor, an easy going nature about him that truly endeared him to many he met through life, and a unique ability to make a total stranger feel like a lifelong friend. He is missed by his family and all who knew. God Bless a life well lived and Rest in Peace. Memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2014 at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Radney Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1PM until service time.

Arrangements under the direction of Radney Funeral Home-Mobile, Mobile, AL.