Don Adams Connelly

Don Adams Connelly, 75, of East Hampton, CT, beloved husband of his true love Dorothy (Cooke) Connelly of 58 years, passed away Thursday, 25 April 2019. Born on Saint Patrick’s Day, 17 March 1944 in Northfield Vermont, he was the son of the late Francis Connelly and Harriett (Adams) Connelly and had resided in the family home on Lake Poctopaug, East Hampton for the past 40 years.

   Don is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Cooke) Connelly; three children, daughters Catherine (Connelly) L’Hote, Colleen (Connelly) Pratt and husband Craig Pratt of East Hampton and son Don Connelly Jr. of Soldotna, Alaska; five grandchildren Jason Hyde, his wife Lauren (Greiger) Hyde, predeceased by granddaughter Makayla Colleen Korpinen, Christen Pratt and her partner Jason Burdick of East Hampton, Craig Pratt II and wife Rebecca (Neiweem) Pratt of Salem, CT. Miranda (Kromish) Legault and husband Jason Legault of Coventry, CT; seven great-grandchildren; Abigail, Marjorie and Craig Pratt lll, Liam and Henry Hyde, Jaxon and Cole Legault; Don is also survived by his siblings Bette (Connelly) Darrah and her late husband William Darrah of Essex Junction, VT , late brother Edward Connelly and his wife Frances (Delfs) Connelly of East Hampton, late sister Geraldine (Connelly) Schoenberger and late husband William Schoenberger of Columbus Ohio, brother Francis Connelly of Roanoke VA, brother Peter Connolly and his wife Carol Connolly of New Hampshire and sister JoAnn (Connelly) Dinello of Middletown, CT.; Lastly, numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

    Don was a humble, hardworking man with positive work ethic that earned him respect from all he knew. A true “union man” by trade, he was proud to be a member of Teamster Local 671. After his retirement, he continued to attend union meetings and gatherings.  Don was known to have many lively conversations regarding unions, politics and was an avid NASCAR fan. A truly selfless man, he was always willing and able to lend a hand or an ear to anyone at a moment’s notice. Don was passionate about all he did and it was reflected in work - the endless hours he spent on his home, yardwork, lake front, boats, automobiles and especially stone walls he built clearly showed he was a master of the masonry trade.  He would say that every rock has a perfect spot and with ease he would create works of art that will be treasured forever.

   A true Irishman; Don had a complete devotion to his family. He loved a good party; music, dancing, drinking, talking, laughing, he loved women, his elders and adored babies. Don loved to watch vintage movies of “the duke” John Wayne. He had a unique way of expressing himself and to know him was to love him. Don was fierce yet fragile – unafraid of the judgement of others gave Don one of the greatest gifts in life – freedom! The other gift he had was that he was so forgiving. He could get really mad and yet forgive relatively quickly. We were proud to call him our father and grew up feeling safe and shielded from the trials and tribulations he had endured as a child.  He was known as a second father to many and referred to as “Pop”.  Family members considered Don to be the patriarch of the Connelly family. The sense of loss felt by all is immense – a confirmation that he truly made a difference in our lives.  A beautiful life that came to an end, he died as he lived, everyone’s friend. In our hearts a memory will always be kept, of one we loved, and will never forget  

   Don was a past member of East Hampton Volunteer Fire Department, Motorcycle club, current retired member of Teamster Local 671 and Zion Lutheran Church, Portland, CT.

   The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Middlesex Health Hospice. With an honorable mention of nurse and angel Mary Rogalski who not only cared for Don gently, but cared for his children as well.      

   Funeral services will be held Saturday, 04 May 2019 at 11:00, in Zion Lutheran Church, 183 Williams Street, Portland, CT. with the Rev. Cathy Rohrs officiating. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, East Hampton, CT. Calling hours are at Zion Lutheran Church Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Don Adams Connelly Memorial Scholarship, EHHS c/o Linda Malavasi, Guidance Office, 15 North Maple Street, East Hampton, CT.

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