Obituary of Joseph E. Connolly

Joseph E. Connolly, a retired salesman for E.P.S. passed away on Thursday afternoon, July 27, 2017. He was 79 years old. Joseph was born in Somerville one of three sons born to Patrick and Ann Connolly. He grew up and was educated in Somerville. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree from Boston College. He enlisted in the U. S. Marines in September of 1959 and served until the September of 1963. It was considered the Vietnam Era, but was also the height of the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis. He was discharged with the Rank of 1st Lieutenant. He went to work at Educational Publishing Services as a salesman. He sold educational books to schools all over New England. Joe loved being on the road, meeting new clients, and fostering relationships. He retired from E.P.S. after 40 years with the company. Joe’s life revolved around his family and home. He married his late wife, Ann, in April of 1965 and they settled in Burlington in 1969 to raise their 3 children. He had a great devotion to Ann. Over the years they traveled and camped all over the Eastern part of the United States and Canada. When Ann struggled for 10 years with Alzheimer’s disease, Joe was always there to care for her and ensure that she received the best care possible. She was simply “The love of his life”. He was a supportive and encouraging father. He coached his children’s soccer and baseball teams. He was a strong mentor and his children came to understand the importance of hard work, development relationships, and placing family needs above your own. As a grandfather, he went by several titles; Grampy, Papa or Papa Joe. He loved being a part of all their lives and giving him the excuse to act like a kid again. His home of 48 years was his pride and joy. He enjoyed working around the yard, landscaping, cutting the grass, household projects, and socializing with all his neighbors. Joseph’s outgoing persona and devotion has touched the hearts of his family and friends. He will be missed greatly, but never forgotten. Joseph was the loving husband of the late Ann M. (Legere) Connolly. Loving father of Michael Connolly & his wife Kerry of Hingham, Kathleen Ahern & her husband Sean of Atlanta, GA, and Kevin Connolly & his wife Courtney of Chicago, IL. He was the brother of Jack Connolly of Belmont and Thomas Connolly of Cambridge. He was the proud grandfather of Hannah, Tess, Brady, Maisy, Emma & Nolan Connolly and Kelly & Maddy Ahern. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Monday, July 31 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours at the Funeral Home on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. The burial will be private. Memorials in Joseph’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 or www.alz.org/manh.