Gerald Joseph Connolly (Jerry), 73, son of the late Patrick and Mary Connolly, passed away peacefully on June 20th with his devoted wife of 46 years by his side. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile and Jerry always had a joke ready to make you laugh.
A 1970 graduate of Boston College, he earned his MBA from there two years later. He worked in the Executive Office of the President with Federal Disaster relief which became the offices of FDAA under HUD and then FEMA. He managed several major disasters including the first declaration of a disaster for snow in Buffalo, hurricanes in the Caribbean and those on the US Coast such as Hugo and Katrina. He was also instrumental in dispersing funds to New York City after 9/11.
Jerry met the love of his life, Jean, while attending a church event in DC. It was love at first sight, for the both of them, and Jean supported business efforts every step of the way. They married in February of 1975 and together, they had four children: Gerald “Jerry”, Robert, Taylor, and Kiera.
Jerry and Jean lived in New York City before moving to Staten Island. There he was active in the Children’s Aid Society and was a Community Organizer in the neighborhood he loved. NYC Mayor Ed Koch also appointed him to the Transportation Advisory Council. Jerry, Jean and their children moved to Rutherford, NJ in 1984 where they enjoyed 12 wonderful years. During this time, he became established in the Knights of Columbus and later became a Grand Knight. Jerry loved giving back to his community, volunteering as a Sunday School teacher for many years. In 1996, he was transferred to Washington DC, and he and the family moved to Maryland. In 2009, Jerry decided to retire after working 38 years for the federal government. In his later years, he dedicated many years of service to Alcoholics Anonymous.
Jerry had a passionate love affair with the Yankees, Italian cuisine, and anything dipped in chocolate. He is survived by his wife Jean, his brother James and sisters Theresa McElligott, Joanne Goggin and Mary Spengler, his children Jerry (Christy), Robert (Hannah), Taylor (Angel) and Kiera, eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews as well as his sweet dog Lucy.
Of all the people Jerry touched, both willing and unwilling, his most proud achievement in life was marrying his wife, Jean Connolly, who supported him in all his glory during his heyday, and lovingly supported him emotionally and physically during their last days together.
Visitation will be held at McCully-Polyniak Funeral Home, 3204 Mountain Rd, Pasadena on Friday, June 25, 2021 from 4-8p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Church 7436 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd, Glen Burnie at 1:00 p.m. Saturday. Internment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn Park, Maryland
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation at https://www.bbrfoundation.org/
Friday, June 25, 2021
Starts at 4:00 pm (Eastern time)
McCully Polyniak & Collins Funeral Home
Saturday, June 26, 2021
Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Christ the King Church
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