Obituary of Donald Connolly

Donald J. Connolly, Sr., a retired Lieutenant for the Burlington Police Department passed away after a long illness at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington on Wednesday morning, April 21, 2010. He was 69 years old. Don was born in Charlestown, the son of Canadian immigrants, the late Michael and Nellie Connolly. He grew up in Tewksbury and was a graduate of Lowell Trade School. He enjoyed high school sports, especially track. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He held the rank of Ensign Third Class and served on the minesweeper, USS Venture. Following his discharge from the Navy, Don achieved his dream job of a police officer for the Burlington Police Department. He started as a Patrolman and after only 4 years he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. After 15 years on the Police force, he suffered a debilitating knee injury and was forced to retire. He considered it an honor to be a police officer, serving the residents of Burlington, and working with his fellow officers. Donald had a strong Catholic faith. He was a member of St. Margaret's Church, St. Charles, Church, and St. Dorothy's Church. His faith helped him endure his many illnesses. He was extremely independent and did not want to be a burden on anyone. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus. He was devoted to his family and friends and will be lovingly remembered. Donald was the beloved husband of Jeannette (Pouliot) Connolly. He was the loving father of Donna Marie Connolly-Stanley & her husband Albert Stanley of Burlington and Donald J. Connolly, Jr. of Andover. He was the brother of Michael Connolly of Acton, John Connolly of Merrimac, MA, Neil Connolly of Middleborough, the late Mary Allen and Carol Salle. He was the loving grandfather of Rachel Shea Connolly, Hailey Marie Stanley, Alyssa Louise Stanley, and the late Jessica Lynn Connolly. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, April 26 at 8:45 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Dorothy's Church, Main Street, Wilmington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. Interment in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Tewksbury. Memorials in Donald's name may be made to the Burlington Police D.A.R.E. Program, 45 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803. Navy Veteran, Vietnam War.