Obituary of Eugene James Connolly

Eugene James Connolly passed away peacefully on October 9, 2018 at home in Stamford, Connecticut. Eugene was born in Stamford on March 7, 1930 to the late Thomas and Veronica (Magda) Connolly. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 46 years, the former Kathleen Fitzgerald in 2002 and his infant son Francis. His brothers, Francis C., Thomas J., Robert F. and twin brother Gerald J. Connolly also predeceased him. Gene attended St. Johns School and Stamford High School, class of 1949 and was a veteran, having served as a cryptographer with the U.S. Army Signal Corps stationed in Europe during the Korean Conflict. Following an honorable discharge at the rank of Corporal, he returned home to Stamford where he met and married his wife and raised a family. He worked as a photo engraver for many years with McCalls and then Graphic Color Plate and was a local freelance photographer and videographer through the 1980s. He was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Augustine Council, a past member of the North Stamford Exchange Club and served on the Stamford Flood and Erosion Control Board in the early 1970s. In 1990 Gene and his wife retired to Casselberry, Florida where they enjoyed the warm weather, socializing with friends and satisfying Genes passion for playing golf. For twenty years, most days Gene could be found on the links of his home course at Deer Run or in the clubhouse after hitting balls at the driving range, his infectious laugh filling the air. In 2011 Gene moved back to Stamford, surrounding himself with family and experiencing the next generation through his great grandchildren. He is survived by his daughters Elizabeth Gilbert and her husband William of Stamford and Kathleen Raub and her husband Michael of Norwalk, CT, grandchildren Jeremy Gilbert and his wife Shayna of Stamford, Benjamin Gilbert and his wife Kendall of Pasadena, CA, Michael Falco of Norwalk, CT, Laura Gilbert of Stamford, Samuel Falco of Norwalk, CT, as well as Matthew Raub and his wife Ashley, Max, Mackenzie and Mark Raub and great grandchildren Della, Maeve, Sawyer and Kellam Gilbert. Sisters-in-law Dora Connolly of Rensselaer, NY, Bridget Connolly and Mary Connolly, both of Stamford, and his nieces and nephews Thomas, Michael, Kevin, Timothy and Christopher Connolly, Patricia Altman, Tracy Compolattaro and their families also survive him. A visitation hour will be held Friday October 12, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday October 12, 2018 at 11:30 AM at St John RC Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien CT 06820. Burial will follow at St Johns Cemetery in Darien . In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Our Lady of Grace Preschool & Kindergarten at Our Lady of Grace School or an organization of your choice. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820