Obituary of Martin Connelly
Our family deeply mourns the loss of our father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather, Marty Connelly. He submitted his soul into God’s hands on Friday June 22, 2018 after running the race for 79 full, lively, robust years - filling every moment of it with his strength, his humor and his unwavering faith in our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior, and most poignantly, in his fellow man.
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he sums up Marty’s life to perfection in Chapter 16, verse 13: “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong - your every act should be done with love.”
In just a few of the official positions he held, Marty was a Lieutenant in Rescue 2, FDNY; a Scout Master with Boy Scouts Troop 396, Greater New York Council; a Federal Safety Officer for government agencies including the United States Coast Guard and the US Department of Defense; and a Navy veteran. His professional life was one of service and dedication to the betterment of people’s lives. There was so much more that he did around those roles that may not have official titles, but were just as significant. He was always volunteering, whether it was with the Knights of Columbus, Boys’ State, American Legion, the VFW, his neighbors, or just a person he happened to run into on his way out to The Boat. He mentored countless young people and influenced hundreds with his strong faith, his practical outlook on life and his incredible (and sometimes incredibly dark) sense of humor. He never took life too seriously and knew that it was just a journey to his ultimate destination. He always honored his faith but most definitely enjoyed that ride.
The son of John and Anna (Delaney) Connelly, Marty was preceded in death by his siblings, Ann, John, Dorothy, William and James. He is survived his loving wife Pat (Dillon) Connelly and his sister Margaret. He will be tremendously missed by his children and their spouses, Marty Connelly, Brian and Kathy Connelly, Tim and Sheryl Connelly, and Michael Connelly and Carlos Ayala - Connelly. He is grieved for by his grandchildren Matthew Connelly, Kaitlyn Connelly, Tommy Connelly, and Kellie Connelly; Andrew Federiciano, Charlie Bleich, Steven Bleich, Jennifer and Shmaya Zazon, Victoria Connelly and Timmy Connelly; and was taken too soon from his great-grandchildren Zeecee Zazon and Levi Zazon.
As a family of faith inspired by our patriarch, we know that he has moved on but we all wish that we could have had one more hug, one more “Hey kid…..” or watched him create a new rigged item out of some hooks and wheels. God had another plan, though - and in the immortal words of Grandpa, “wish in one hand, shit in another, and see which fills up faster.”
A friend of our family graciously allowed us to share one of his poems to comfort us in our hour of need, and we are blessed to share it with you here:
That Precious Mile
My body’s only with me for a little while
Ain’t it funny, but it’s not, the way I tire
My spirit’s able and so willing
but my legs won’t lead the way
Today I wonder ‘bout that little word desire
This world’s fun but the price is getting higher
The consequences of my actions are more dire
The spirit I am is still so young
I don’t want to say I’m done
But this temple thinks it’s time I retire
I walked Sundays of my life on holy tiles
I learned we’re all here, just for a little while
It may be better where I’m headed
but my loved ones still are here
Someone higher ups about to turn that dial
A new adventure’s come my way there’s no denial
The light is getting brighter, I start to smile
I am excited about this change,
heading for that open range
Don’t worry, I’ll be fine on that precious mile
© 2010, Scott Thompson
Reposing Monday, June 25 from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9:00 PM at Marine Park Funeral Home, 3024 Quentin Road, Brooklyn, NY.
Mass of Christian burial will be held 9:45 AM on Tuesday, June 26 at Good Shepherd R.C. Church, 1950 Batchelder Street, Brooklyn, NY. Burial to follow at St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Martin’s Memory to:
The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation
21 Asch Loop Bronx, New York 10475
Tel: 718-379-1900
Email: thenyffburncenterfoundation@gmail.com
Firefighters Burn Center Website Link - Click Here
Please see SERVICE INFORMATION for specific details and directions.
Please take advantage of the condolence tab if you are unable to attend or merely wish to express your love and grief over Martin's passing.
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