Joseph F. Connolly died peacefully Friday December 22, 2017 with his family at his side at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ. He was 85 years old.
Joe was born on June 3, 1932 to the late Margaret (King) and John Connolly in the Bronx, NY, where he lived until moving to Long Hill Township 45 years ago. He was a proud Army veteran having served in the Korean War. He was a graduate of NYU class of 1969, and worked as an Electrical Engineer for Western Electric for 34 years before retiring in 1994. He was a faithful communicant of St. Vincent de Paul RC Church where he was an Eucharistic Minister, past president of the parish council and recipient of the Parish Medal for Meritorious Service. He was a past Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus. He was president of the Long Hill Township Democratic Club, and an active member of the Senior Citizen Center in Long Hill Township. Joe was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was “photographer in chief” at family events, never let anyone leave his driveway without checking their oil and gas levels and surprised his grandchildren with his use of emojis in his text messages. He believed in lifelong learning and recently started taking cooking classes. He will always be remembered for his sharp wit and quick comebacks.

Joe was predeceased by his wife of 59 years and love of his life Carmel Theresa Connolly nee:Poust in July, 2016.
He is survived by his son Michael Connolly and his wife Myra Shapiro, his daughter Colleen and her husband Gary Schwarz, 2 sisters Lolie Farrell and Connie and her husband Matteo DiBella. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren Shane and his wife Mary, Daniel, Emma, Joey and Carly. He also leaves behind many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends who brought so much love and joy into his life.

Visitation will be Thursday December 28, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Valley Memorial Funeral Home 1012 Valley Rd., Gillette, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday December 29, 2017 at St. Vincent de Paul RC Church 250 Bebout Ave., Stirling. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, N.Y. For more information and online condolences visit valleymemorialfuneralhome.net

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