Matthew Francis Connolly Jr.

Matt was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Matthew Francis Connolly, Sr. and Elizabeth (Lacey) Connolly. He lived in the Boston area for many years, then lived and worked in various places including on the west coast for several decades. Matt’s heart always remained, however, in the home he built in Truro, Massachusetts in the 1970’s. In his free moments, Matt loved to write and to spend time gardening.

Matt was proud to have served in the United States Army.

Matt worked as a television director and producer all over the United States. He directed on stages at NBC, BBC, and MGM and produced multimedia work for conventions, political events, and sporting events. Starting in local news and other local shows like Romper Room, over time segments Matt directed and produced appeared on networks, the Today Show, Meet the Press, Face the Nation, multiple cable channels, and other outlets. In addition to directing and producing, Matt wrote for TV and radio commercials as well as PSAs, corporate, religious, educational, and medical videos. His efforts were recognized through either winning or being nominated for numerous national awards, including an Emmy.

Matt is survived by his bride H. Diane (Ellingson) Connolly, his daughter Professor Kim Diana Connolly, his two grandchildren Tayte and Simon, and his sister Elizabeth (Betty) McGrath. He was predeceased by his siblings Joseph Connolly, Mary Stella, Pauline Magoon, and Josephine Connolly.

Matt will be remembered at several events. There will be a wake Sunday March 26th from 3-6 pm at Doane, Beal and Ames in Hyannis, MA, a mass at Our Lady of Victory in Centerville on Monday March 27th at 10 am, followed by interment at the National Cemetery in Bourne at 2 pm. There will also be a memorial Mass at the chapel in Mission Church in Boston on Wednesday March 29th at 10am. Finally, there will be a Celebration of Life at the UU Church of Amherst NY on Sunday April 9th at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Voluntary Service Department of the Batavia VA Medical Center to support hospitalized veterans in need or donations may be made Smile Train, 41 Madison Avenue 28th Floor, New York, New York 10010 - www.smiletrain.org/.