Richard Connolly

Richard was born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 1, 1929. He grew up in Dorchester, Mass. and was predeceased by his parents, Martin and Nora (Gorham) Connolly, both of Connemara, Ireland, his sister Mary (Connolly) Ivens, and his two brothers Paul Connolly and Patrick Connolly. Richard attended St. Gregory’s Grammar School and was a 1946 graduate of Boston College High School. He also attended Boston College and served two years in the United States Marine Corps.

Richard enjoyed flying and was a private pilot in his younger years. He owned two airplanes before settling down and having a family.

Richard was married to Sheelagh (Bermingham) Connolly, of Dublin, Ireland, on September 13, 1969; they were married for 45 years.

Richard and Sheelagh lived in Everett, Massachusetts before moving their young family to Rochester, New Hampshire in 1973, where they purchased their first home. Richard worked as a rural carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Rochester until his retirement in 1994.

After retiring, Richard and Sheelagh moved to their home in Naples, Florida. Richard loved Naples and the Florida weather.

Richard very much enjoyed his Irish heritage, and visited Ireland to meet his relatives. He loved reading books on his Kindle, watching all Boston sports teams, playing golf and spending time with his family and friends.

Richard is survived by his wife and two daughters, Lisa (Connolly) Amarosa and her husband Peter of Madbury, New Hampshire, and Catherine (Connolly) Alessi and her husband Michael of Kittery, Maine; his 5 grandchildren, Chase and Maeve Amarosa, and Reid, Quinn and Keira Alessi; and the rest of his relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, Florida 34105, or online at http://avowcares.org/donate. The family would like to thank the wonderful people at Avow for making Richard’s journey a peaceful one.