Ronald Charles Connolly

Ronald Charles Connolly was born in Highland Park, Illinois on December 30th, 1946, to Chuck and Elsie Connolly. The eldest of three, he spent his youth in Illinois with his sister, Barbara and brother, Don. Ron studied Electronic Engineering before moving to California in 1968 and embarking on a 4-decade career software engineer at Lockheed Martin. Within a few years, Ron and his former wife, Barbara West, welcomed their first child, Kelly, into this world.

In 1981 Ron married Joyce, and together they blended their families. Having gained three additional daughters, Anna, Christine, and Shawn, Ron's life got very busy. Between his new spouse and 4 daughters, he quickly fell into the beloved role of a band parent. As each daughter phased in and out of high school, and high school band, he was always there, calling bingo to help raise money for the Oak Grove Marching Band and support his children through their endeavors. When not in the bingo hall or donning blue and gold in the bleachers, the family spent time together traveling and camping.

Soon, Ron adopted the new title of “Papa”, and celebrated the arrival of each of his seven grandchildren. When he wasn't actively playing with the kids, he was following right along behind them with a camera. Time and distance made being with all his grandchildren difficult, but Ron avidly saved every photo of them he came across, and genuinely cherished each visit. This was habitually maintained as his family welcomed seven great-grandchildren.

Ron truly valued the friends he made throughout his life. This could be seen by the many a night he’d spend with his buddies at the stadium cheering on the San Jose Giants. In his retirement, Ron kept in contact with coworkers by joining them for monthly get-togethers. Friendships blossomed amongst fellow band parents formed a group that spent many years together playing bunco, going on trips, and having weekly dinners.

Ron was welcomed into God’s embrace on January 15th, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in the company of family. In passing, he is reunited with his parents and beloved daughter, Kelly.

Ron is survived by his wife, Joyce Connolly; his siblings, Donald (Ann) Connolly and Barbara (Rollie) Olson; his daughters, Anna Lakritz, Christine (Diana Sundukos) Holden, and Shawn Holden; his grandchildren, Gary Sarah Buhl) Jones, Zachary Jones, Sebastian (Tonie Edwards) Connolly, Sarah (Aidan Moore) Pardee, Stephanie (Justin) Bunnell, Cassandra (Hanna Ellenburg) Petersen, and Jennifer Bunnell; and his great-grandchildren, Claire, Aysun, Logan, Ariya, Elliott, Liam, and Dorian. He will also be remembered by his many close friends. We will remember Ron for his smile, laughter, and great big bear hugs.

A memorial will be held at Oak Hill Memorial Park in the Chapel of Roses at 10 am on Feb. 17th.